Tenerife Builds Wetland for Wildlife, Climate, Education

Tenerife's Island Council and the Moeve Foundation have started building a new artificial wetland at the Los Eres Environmental Center in Fasnia. This project highlights their dedication to protecting the island's wildlife, educating people about the environment, and preparing for climate change.

Yesterday, several officials visited the site where this new bird habitat is being created. These included Blanca Pérez, the island's councilor for Natural Environment and Sustainability; Belén Machado, who leads the Moeve Foundation in the Canary Islands; and Pedro Millán, the island's director for Natural Environment.

This wetland project is more than just an environmental effort. It also aims to show people how important these natural areas are. Wetlands are crucial for managing water and for the survival of many species, especially birds that live in grasslands, migrate, or are just passing through.

This is an experimental project. It will study how birds react to the new wetland, and the findings will help decide if the wetland should be made larger and what conditions work best. Ultimately, the project hopes to teach people about the importance of island wetlands and how they help protect diverse wildlife.

The project also involves planting native plants from the island's lower and warmer areas around the wetland. This will help bring back the area's original ecosystem. Additionally, educational spaces are being set up for schoolchildren, community groups, and the public to learn more.

So, the Los Eres wetland will have a strong focus on community and education. It will offer environmental education and volunteer programs, encouraging people to get involved in protecting the island's water habitats. These activities will also benefit participants' physical and emotional health, promoting social connections and direct experiences with nature.

Blanca Pérez, the island councilor, emphasized that "creating this artificial wetland at Los Eres is a big step for the Council's plan to protect the island's wildlife and adapt to climate change. It is an innovative project that will help us gain scientific knowledge, support bird conservation, and show people how valuable wetlands are as vital ecosystems."

Belén Machado, head of the Moeve Foundation in the Canary Islands, added that "this project shows our dedication to new ways of boosting biodiversity. It combines conservation, research, environmental education, and community involvement. The Los Eres wetland will serve as a home for many birds and a place to learn and educate the public, proving that working together – public and private sectors – is essential for protecting nature."

Pedro Millán, the island director for Natural Environment, believes that "projects like this show that conservation, research, and environmental education can go hand-in-hand, strengthening Tenerife's commitment to sustainability and preserving its natural heritage."