The president of the Cabildo, Lola García, has shared insights on a significant initiative aimed at preserving one of the most crucial wetlands in the Canary Islands—the only one in the archipelago included in the international Ramsar convention. García emphasized, “the protection of our territory and landscape.” Her remarks highlight a clear institutional drive to balance the island’s tourism development with the conservation of its unique natural values.
Commitment to Sustainability and Quality of Life
The counselor for Tourism, Blue Economy, and Biosphere Reserve, Marlene Figueroa, has underscored the impact that such restoration projects have on both the landscape and the destination’s image. Figueroa articulated that the Cabildo promotes “actions throughout the territory to make our destination more sustainable and improve the quality of life for those of us who live here.” The restoration of the salt marsh not only carries environmental significance but also transforms the visual and scenic appeal, enhancing Fuerteventura’s identity as a responsible destination.
Both Lola García and Marlene Figueroa have pointed out the importance of cooperation with the Ayuntamiento of Pájara as a vital component for the project’s successful execution. This collaboration between different governmental entities demonstrates a holistic approach to land management, which, according to both leaders, is essential for the success of such large-scale initiatives.
Financial Support and European Backing
The naturalization project of the Saladar de Jandía enjoys substantial financial backing from Next Generation EU funds, administered through the Spanish Government, along with support from the Government of the Canary Islands. These European funds, tied to recovery and resilience plans established post-pandemic, enable efforts that would otherwise be challenging to fund through the ordinary budgets of the Cabildo. This blend of European, national, regional, and local resources reflects the cross-cutting nature of the project, connecting local actions with broader environmental sustainability objectives set forth by European institutions.
