In an exciting development for both the community and the environment, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura has officially approved a significant project aimed at naturalizing the Saladar de Jandía. This initiative is part of the broader “Fuerte por naturaleza” plan, a sustainability strategy spearheaded by the island’s Tourism Department. The project promises not only to enhance the area’s ecological profile but also to strengthen its appeal as a sustainable tourist destination.
The naturalization project, which has been a long-term goal for the Cabildo, is set to commence shortly with a one-year execution timeline. A sizable budget of approximately 250,000 euros has been allocated to dismantle the old wastewater treatment plant at Matorral Beach. This financial commitment highlights the local government’s dedication to restoring the natural beauty of the region by introducing indigenous plant species back into the area.
Lola García, the President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, emphasizes the importance of preserving the island’s unique territory and the valuable natural treasures it holds. She stated, “In this case, we are taking actions aimed at protecting one of the most significant scientific interest spaces in Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands”—a testament to the project’s broader ecological significance.
Adding further weight to this initiative, Marlene Figueroa, the Tourism Counselor, remarked, “The ‘Fuerte por naturaleza’ program, along with the European funding that backs it, allows us to tackle highly visual projects that improve our quality as a sustainable tourist destination. More importantly, these endeavors yield environmental benefits for the island and enhance the quality of life for its residents.” This sentiment reinforces the idea that sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Infrastructure Counselor Blas Acosta highlighted the technical and environmental considerations that guided the decision-making process. He stresses that today’s approval marks a significant shift from planning to on-the-ground work, aiming to restore this iconic area of the island. The meticulous planning reflects a commitment to ensuring that the restoration operates within the ecological limits of this sensitive natural space.
Working in collaboration with the Ayuntamiento de Pájara, the project will focus on dismantling the existing wastewater treatment facility within the Scientific Interest Site at Playa del Matorral. This will involve reinstating the land’s natural contour and geomorphology, thereby paving the way for a natural rehabilitation process. Scheduled for completion within a year, the project aims to reintroduce native plant species, particularly *Chenoleoides tomentosa*, *Salsola vermiculata*, *Tetraena fontanesii*, and three specimens of *Tamarix canariensis*. This re-vegetation process is crucial for ensuring that the area returns to its natural state.
Furthermore, this ambitious project is bolstered by support from the Next Generation EU funds provided by the Government of Spain, along with the backing of the Canary Islands government. Such financial support not only underscores the importance of this initiative but also aligns with broader European goals for biodiversity and environmental health.
