The Fuerteventura Cabildo and La Oliva Town Hall have taken the first step to declare the Bristol Salt Marsh as a Site of Scientific Interest, a natural space of 29.49 hectares with rich biodiversity.
The Insular Board of Protected Natural Spaces of Fuerteventura has issued a favourable report on the proposal to declare the Bristol Salt Marsh as a Site of Scientific Interest. The initiative, driven by La Oliva Town Hall and supported by the Cabildo, will now be sent to the Government of the Canary Islands for ratification by decree.
A Unique Natural Space on the Coast of Corralejo
The Bristol Salt Marsh is located on the northern coast of the municipality of La Oliva, on the outskirts of the urban area of Corralejo. It is an extensive intertidal zone that hosts a unique plant community in Fuerteventura, with 69 species of flora and 89 species of birds, many of which are protected or threatened.
The proposal aims to protect an area of 29.49 hectares that, according to experts, has first-rate scientific value. The space serves as a feeding and resting area for nesting and migratory birds, making it a crucial enclave for island biodiversity.
The president of the Cabildo, Lola García, explained that the consultation with the Board “represents a fundamental step to achieve, among all administrations, the declaration of the salt marsh as a Site of Scientific Interest.” García emphasised the urgent need to protect this space due to its fragility against threats such as pollution, invasive species, or urban pressure.
“Due to its fragility, it is necessary to preserve it against threats such as pollution, invasive species, or urban pressure, as well as to disseminate its environmental values and importance among the population,” stated Lola García.
Threats and Protection for Future Generations
The mayor of La Oliva, Isaí Blanco, highlighted the commitment of institutions to conserve this element of natural heritage. “We are talking about a unique space in the Canary Islands that has suffered constant deterioration for many years and that we must now preserve with all guarantees,” he affirmed.
Blanco recalled that the protection of the salt marsh has been a historical demand from residents and ecological groups, who have denounced the neglect and degradation of the environment. With the new protection status, restoration and maintenance actions can be carried out without harming the native flora and fauna.
The Cabildo's Environment Councillor, Carlos Rodríguez, pointed out that the natural wealth and biodiversity give this space first-rate scientific value. The favourable report from the Board supports the protection of the Bristol Salt Marsh as a Site of Scientific Interest, which will allow for the establishment of a legal protection framework.
Next Steps and Benefits for Visitors
The Environment Councillor of La Oliva, David Fajardo, celebrated the progress: “We can finally say that the declaration of the Bristol Salt Marsh as a Site of Scientific Interest has begun, a proposal that should have been made a long time ago.” Fajardo added that this recognition will allow for actions to be taken in the area for its use and enjoyment without harming its flora and fauna.
For the residents of Corralejo and tourists, the declaration will mean greater control of access and the installation of informative panels, which will facilitate orderly and respectful visits to the environment. Additionally, environmental education and volunteering programmes are planned to involve the community in the conservation of the salt marsh.
The next step is the processing of the decree by the Government of the Canary Islands, which must ratify the proposal within an estimated period of six months. In the meantime, the Cabildo and the Town Hall will work on drafting the management plan for the protected space.
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