Revitalizing Nature: The Naturalization Project at Jandía Salt Marsh
In the heart of Fuerteventura, a significant initiative is underway aimed at restoring one of the largest wetlands in the Canary Islands: the Saladar de Jandía. This project, officially named the “Naturalization of the Saladar de Jandía,” has garnered attention and support from various levels of government, highlighting an important shift towards sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
A Collaborative Effort
On the morning of April 10, 2023, an enthusiastic group including Jéssica de León, the Minister of Tourism and Employment of the Canary Government; Lola García, President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura; and Marlene Figueroa, the insular Tourism Councillor, gathered at the site earmarked for the project. Their visit underscored a commitment to enhancing the natural beauty and ecological health of the area.
“This initiative is not just about environmental restoration,” emphasized De León. “It’s about evolving our understanding of tourism. We advocate for a model that places a premium on nature and local identity, rather than simply sun and sea.”
Funding for Sustainability
The project is backed by a budget of €249,815, sourced from the Next Generation EU funds, which are designed to help regions recover and advance following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will allow a comprehensive intervention on over 9,000 square meters of land that has suffered from human impact.
The anticipated restoration actions include removing outdated infrastructures, notably an old wastewater treatment facility, and reinstating the land’s original geomorphological features, which have been altered over time.
A Priority for Local Governance
Lola García echoed the sentiment of prioritizing ecological value while developing the island. “When the Cabildo of Fuerteventura initiated this project, our target was crystal clear: improve a highly valuable environmental area like the Saladar de Jandía. This initiative represents a vision for an island where sustainable tourism and environmental protection go hand in hand.”
She further illustrated how the collaboration among the Cannary Government, local councils, and environmental bodies serves as a model for effective governance aimed at ecological recovery and the promotion of a sustainable tourism framework.
Fostering Unique Experiences
According to Marlene Figueroa, the project aligns with the region’s future vision for tourism. “Our approach is about cherishing what makes Fuerteventura unique. Through the ‘Fuerte por Naturaleza’ programme, we are implementing projects that not only enhance the destination’s image but also positively impact our environment and improve the quality of life for local residents.”
Alejandro Jorge, the Mayor of Pájara, chimed in with the importance of community collaboration, stating, “The partnership among the government, Cabildo, and the municipality is crucial. The naturalization of the Saladar de Jandía, long aspired to, promises to elevate our environmental standards and beautify our urban landscape.”
The Phased Approach to Restoration
The roadmap for the Naturalization Project is divided into four well-defined phases:
-
Removal of Obsolete Infrastructure: The first phase includes dismantling the aging wastewater treatment plant, which has fallen into disrepair. Its underground structure conflicts with conservation guidelines for the area.
-
Restoring Natural Levels: The second phase will involve eliminating current fill material, allowing the land to return to its natural elevation—from 3.40 meters to the original 2.50 meters—while carefully monitoring existing vegetation’s roots to preserve as much flora as possible.
-
Area Rehabilitation: The third step will rehabilitate the affected zone, using sifted earth from the demolition to contour the land and construct protective slopes.
-
Ecological Integration: The final phase aims for aesthetic and ecological enhancement through the planting of native plants. A total of 104 indigenous plant species will be introduced, including Chenoleoides tomentosa (algoera), Salsola vermiculata (matabrusca), and Tetraena fontanesii (uva de mar), alongside three individuals of Tamarix canariensis (tarajal).
The project is not just about restoration; it aims to rejuvenate a space rich in biodiversity and cultural importance, enhancing the overall ecological framework of Fuerteventura.
The Saladar de Jandía stands as a testament to the potential for a harmonious relationship between natural preservation and sustainable tourism, paving the way for a greener future in the Canary Islands.
