Fuerteventura's Cabildo has completed the removal of the old treatment plant and is progressing with the rehabilitation of 9,000 square meters of the Jandía Saladar, a wetland protected by the Ramsar convention.
The Jandía Saladar, one of the most valuable wetlands in the Canary Islands, is regaining its original appearance. Fuerteventura's Cabildo has taken a firm step in its naturalization project, which has already surpassed the first phase with the elimination of the old treatment plant that occupied part of this Site of Scientific Interest.
The initiative, driven by the Department of Tourism, Blue Economy and Biosphere Reserve, has a budget of nearly €250,000 and an execution period of twelve months. The aim is to return a surface area of 9,000 square meters in the municipality of Pájara to its natural state.
Following the removal of obsolete infrastructure, the work now focuses on rehabilitating the land. Crews are recovering the original elevation and geomorphology of the area, which has been damaged for decades by the presence of the treatment plant. Once this phase is completed, revegetation will proceed with native species selected to strengthen the saladar ecosystem.
The island president, Lola García, has emphasized the importance of this action for the protection of the island's natural heritage. “This project demonstrates our commitment to protecting our territory and landscape,” she stated. García reminded that the Jandía Saladar is the only wetland in the Canary Islands included in the international Ramsar convention, which gives it unique ecological significance.
For her part, councillor Marlene Figueroa highlighted the visual and landscape impact of the intervention. “With actions like this, spread throughout the territory, we make our destination more sustainable and improve the quality of life for those of us who live here,” she affirmed. Figueroa valued the coordination with the Pájara Town Hall, which has facilitated the procedures and execution of the work.
The project is financed with Next Generation EU funds, channelled through the Spanish Government and with the support of the Canary Islands Government. This financial injection allows the Cabildo to undertake a restoration that would otherwise have had to wait for future budgets.
The naturalization of the Jandía Saladar not only has ecological benefits but also tourist ones. The area is an attraction for nature lovers and birdwatchers. With the removal of the treatment plant and the revegetation, it is expected to recover lost biodiversity and offer a landscape more in line with the pristine environment of Jandía.
Residents of Pájara and visitors will be able to enjoy a rehabilitated natural space that also contributes to the fight against climate change by restoring a carbon sink. The action also plans to install informative panels to raise awareness about the importance of this wetland.
The Cabildo expects the work to conclude in the summer of 2027, if the planned timelines are maintained. Meanwhile, revegetation efforts will intensify in autumn, the most favorable season for planting native species.
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