The Naturalization of Jandía Marsh: A Step Toward Sustainable Tourism in Fuerteventura
Introduction to the Initiative
The Government of the Canary Islands, through its Tourism and Employment Council, has announced a significant investment aimed at enhancing the natural beauty and ecological health of Fuerteventura’s coastline. A direct subsidy of €249,815 has been allocated to the Insular Council of Fuerteventura for the project entitled “Naturalization of the Jandía Marsh,” located in the Pájara municipality. This initiative falls under the broader Territorial Plan for Sustainable Tourism in the Canary Islands, which is supported by the European Union via the Next Generation EU funds.
Aligning with Sustainable Goals
This project is not just a matter of economic investment; it embodies a strategic shift towards a more sustainable tourism model in the Canary Islands. The initiative is part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, reflecting a commitment to transforming how tourism interacts with the environment. “We do not manage only hotels and airports; our priority is to promote a transversal management system that protects our landscapes and natural spaces,” explained Jéssica de León, the Councilor for Tourism and Employment. This proactive approach aims to revalue some of the most emblematic areas of the islands while enhancing the resilience of the coastal ecosystems.
Emphasizing Ecological Awareness
De León emphasized that the Jandía project plays a critical role in raising public awareness regarding the importance of preserving local ecosystems. By enhancing the natural appeal of the Jandía Marsh, the initiative stands to foster greater appreciation among residents and visitors alike for the unique biodiversity that the area harbors.
Administrative Collaboration
The Cabildo de Fuerteventura has warmly welcomed this intervention, which exemplifies a collaborative effort between various administrative bodies to promote investments geared towards environmental protection. “This action forms part of a shared line of work among different administrations to promote investments aimed at protecting our territory and improving high-value environmental spaces like the Jandía Marsh,” remarked Lola García, President of Cabildo de Fuerteventura. This teamwork resonates with the sentiment that collective actions yield more impactful results.
Ongoing Conservation Efforts
The Cabildo has been actively involved in conserving the region, with ongoing efforts that include the installation of protective fencing, walkways, and other safeguarding features. As President García rightly pointed out, the new initiative will build upon these previous conservation efforts, thus reinforcing the sustainable management of Fuerteventura’s coast.
A Collaborative Effort
For Alejandro Jorge, the Mayor of Pájara, this initiative represents a significant and positive development for the community. He highlighted the importance of cooperative efforts among institutions to capitalize on the available financial and logistical resources. Jorge added, “The Jandía Marsh is a natural and scenic emblem of southern Fuerteventura, and its conservation is essential. We appreciate the commitment from the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo to continue working in this direction.”
A Focused Restoration Plan
The naturalization of Jandía Marsh revolves around the ecological recovery of this protected area. The plan includes the removal of outdated infrastructures and the restoration of the original geomorphology of the land. The project is divided into four execution phases, beginning with the dismantling and removal of the old wastewater treatment plant, which is in a deteriorated condition and not compliant with conservation regulations.
Phased Project Execution
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Phase One: This initial phase involves both dismantling and disposing of the dilapidated wastewater plant.
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Phase Two: This stage seeks to eliminate the current fill material to restore the natural elevation of the marsh from the current +3.40 meters down to the original +2.50 meters. Special care will be taken to ensure that the existing vegetation’s roots remain undisturbed.
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Phase Three: The focus shifts to treating the environment, rehabilitating an area exceeding 9,000 square meters using sieved excavation soil. This material will be essential for leveling the terrain and creating protective slopes.
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Phase Four: The final phase emphasizes landscape integration, which includes planting native species at the base of the new slopes. Among the planned 104 native plants are Chenoleoides tomentosa (something), Salsola vermiculata (pater drover), Tetraena fontanesii (sea grape), and three examples of Tamarix canariensis (tamarisk).
Timeline of Completion
With a clear roadmap laid out, the recovery efforts for the Jandía Marsh are expected to conclude by June 30, 2026. This ambitious timeline reflects not only a commitment to restoring an ecological treasure but also a dedication to fostering a sustainable future for both residents and tourists in Fuerteventura.
Through this important initiative, the Government of the Canary Islands aims to enhance not just the environmental landscape but also the educational perspective towards conservation, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the rich natural heritage of the region.
