Canary Islands Government earmarks €250,000 for Jandía Salt Marsh naturalisation

The action is part of the Canary Islands Territorial Plan for Sustainable Tourism, financed by the European Union through the Next Generation EU funds.

Funding and Context

The Ministry of Tourism and Employment of the Canary Islands has signed an order granting a direct subsidy of €249,815 to the Cabildo of Fuerteventura. The money will be used to implement the intervention known as “Naturalisation of the Jandía Saladar” in the municipality of Pájara.

The project is integrated into the Territorial Plan for Sustainable Tourism of the Canary Islands, which is funded by the EU’s Next Generation EU programme and falls under the broader Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. Its strategic goal is to shift the tourism model toward sustainability.

Official Statements

“We do not only manage hotels and airports; our priority is to promote a transversal management that protects our landscapes and natural spaces.” – Jéssica de León, Minister of Tourism and Employment

“This intervention responds to the need to renew and add value to the islands’ most emblematic areas. The re‑naturalisation of this space will strengthen the resilience of our coastline.” – Jéssica de León

“The project not only enhances the natural appeal of the saladar but also raises social awareness about the importance of conserving our ecosystems.” – Jéssica de León

“The initiative fits within a shared line of work between administrations to promote investments aimed at protecting the territory and improving high‑environmental‑value spaces such as the Jandía Saladar.” – Lola García, President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura

“From the Cabildo we have been carrying out conservation actions in the area, including fence improvements, walkways and protective elements. This new intervention continues that previous work and reinforces the sustainability of the coastline.” – Lola García

“This is good news. Joint work between institutions is essential to make the most of the economic and logistical resources available.” – Alejandro Jorge, Mayor of Pájara

“The Jandía Saladar is a natural and landscape emblem of southern Fuerteventura, and its conservation is vital. We thank the commitment of the Canary Islands Government and the Cabildo to continue working in this direction.” – Alejandro Jorge

Ecological Restoration of a Protected Area

The naturalisation project focuses on the ecological recovery of the protected saladar by removing obsolete infrastructure and restoring the original geomorphology. The work is divided into four phases:

• Phase 1 – Dismantling of the old wastewater plant

  • The underground tank, now in a ruinous state, will be removed as it is incompatible with conservation regulations.

• Phase 2 – Removal of the current fill

  • The artificial fill will be taken away to restore the saladar’s natural elevation, lowering the platform from +3.40 m to its original +2.50 m while carefully preserving the roots of existing vegetation.

• Phase 3 – Soil treatment and terrain rehabilitation

  • Over 9,000 m² of surface will be rehabilitated using screened earth for terrain profiling and the creation of a protective slope.

• Phase 4 – Landscape integration

  • Planting of 104 native specimens at the base of the slope, distributed randomly (no geometric patterns). The selected species are:
    • Chenoleoides tomentosa (algoera)
    • Salsola vermiculata (matabrusca)
    • Tetraena fontanesii (sea grape)
    • Tamarix canariensis (Canary tamarisk) – three individuals

The Ministry has indicated that the restoration works are scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2026.