Revitalizing Nature: The ‘Naturalization of the Saladar de Jandía’ Project
On a recent Friday, a team spearheaded by Jéssica de León, the Tourism and Employment Counselor of the Canary Islands Government, visited the site earmarked for an important environmental initiative: the ‘Naturalization of the Saladar de Jandía.’ This project, a part of regional departmental cohesion efforts, reflects a modernized vision of tourism that intertwines natural conservation with sustainable development.
Funding and Goals
The initiative has secured funding of €249,815, sourced from the Next Generation EU funds allocated by the Canary Islands Government. This financial backing is set to enhance an area exceeding 9,000 square meters, which has been adversely affected by human activity. The Saladar de Jandía, recognized as one of the largest wetlands in the Canary Islands, stands to benefit from these revitalization efforts, restoring a vital ecological space.
Restoration Actions
The project is geared towards ecological recovery through the removal of redundant infrastructures, including an old wastewater treatment plant. Such actions aim to reinstate the original geomorphology of the land, enabling a vibrant ecosystem to flourish once more.
Counselor Jéssica de León emphasized the evolution of tourism perspectives, stating, “We no longer see tourism as merely sun and beach; instead, we advocate for a model where the natural environment and identity take center stage.” This sentiment underlines the importance of projects like the Saladar de Jandía, whose restoration is deemed a high priority.
Collaborative Efforts
Lola García, President of the Fuerteventura Cabildo, echoed these sentiments, clarifying the project’s objective: to enhance an area of extraordinary environmental value. She noted, “This initiative showcases our vision of an island where tourism development aligns with environmental protection.” García highlighted the collaboration between the Canary Islands Government and the municipality, illustrating how coordinated efforts can lead to the recovery of natural spaces while fostering a sustainable tourism model.
A Future-Oriented Approach
Marlene Figueroa, the Tourism Counselor for Fuerteventura, further explained the significance of such projects, stating, “The future of tourism lies in preserving what makes us unique.” Through the ‘Fuerte por naturaleza’ program, various initiatives are being promoted to not only improve destination image but also to positively impact the environment and local communities.
Municipal Support
Pájara’s Mayor, Alejandro Jorge, highlighted the synergy between the local government, the Canary Islands Government, and the Cabildo of Fuerteventura. He expressed hope that this collaboration would benefit residents and help beautify the surrounding urban environment. The Saladar de Jandía, he noted, has long been a focal point for ecological restoration.
Project Phases
The ‘Naturalization of the Saladar de Jandía’ will unfold over four distinct phases, beginning with the dismantling and removal of the old wastewater treatment plant. This infrastructure has degraded over time and violates conservation regulations.
Phase One: Dismantling
The first phase will focus on the safe elimination of the outdated plant, which currently lies in a dilapidated state.
Phase Two: Natural Topography Restoration
The second phase involves stripping away the existing fill to restore the natural elevation of the saladar, transitioning from the current height of 3.40 meters down to its original 2.50 meters. Special care will be taken to protect the existing plant roots hidden beneath the fill.
Phase Three: Rehabilitation
The third step centers on the rehabilitation of the affected area using screened demolition soil. This process will allow for terrain profiling and the creation of protective slopes.
Phase Four: Landscape Integration
Finally, the project will focus on landscape integration through the random planting of native plant species at the base of the slopes. A total of 104 local flora specimens will be introduced, including Chenoleoides tomentosa, Salsola vermiculata, and Tetraena fontanesii, along with three specimens of Tamarix canariensis.
Striking a Balance
Through this multifaceted project, stakeholders are committed to creating a harmonious balance between tourism and environmental stewardship. The revitalization of the Saladar de Jandía not only aims to restore a critical ecosystem but also to enrich the cultural and natural heritage of Fuerteventura, setting a precedent for future conservation projects across the Canary Islands.
