Mission: Save Jandía Salt Marsh from Invasive Species
The Cabildo takes decisive action against the invasive cattail in El Saladar de Jandía, backed by the European Union
The Cabildo of Fuerteventura has resumed a firm fight against exotic plant species that invade the island’s natural areas and hinder the development of native flora. Work has already begun in El Saladar de Jandía to eradicate the invasive cattail, with financial support from the Canary Islands Feder Programme 2021‑2027.
Leadership and Coordination
The president of the Cabildo, Lola García, highlighted the measures the island corporation is implementing to combat invasive species and promote the repopulation of native vegetation. El Saladar de Jandía is a unique wetland, regarded as the most environmentally significant in the Canary Islands.
The Cabildo’s Environmental Service, directed by Carlos Rodríguez, is providing the personnel and equipment from its own Territorial and Environmental Management and Planning (Gesplan) unit. Earlier, the Cabildo carried out a pilot action within the “Fuerteventura, Beautiful by Nature” program; the results of that initiative have informed the current project, which now enjoys EU backing.
Project Methodology
- Cutting at the base: The cattail is cut at its root level.
- Protective covering: Special sheets are placed over the cut stems to prevent regrowth.
Once the resurgence of cattail is controlled in a targeted area of El Saladar—aiming to eliminate the plant permanently and stop its spread—the second phase focuses on restoring the native flora. This restoration work will cover approximately 2,000 m² and will be carried out over a six‑month period.
Funding and Objectives
The initiative is part of the Canary Islands Feder Programme 2021‑2027, specifically under Objective RSO2.4:
“Promote adaptation to climate change and prevent disaster risk, as well as enhance resilience, with ecosystem‑based approaches.”
By eliminating invasive species such as Calotropis, reeds, and cattail, the project aims to safeguard the ecological integrity of El Saladar de Jandía and ensure the recovery of its native plant communities.