Fuerteventura Hosts Environmental Awareness Day
Fuerteventura has hosted the fourth edition of its Environmental Technical Day, focusing on the conservation of island bird species. The event attracted experts, researchers, and professionals who discussed the state of local avifauna and the challenges it faces.
Held at the Fuerteventura Palace of Training and Congress, the event was organised by the Environment Department as part of its 2026 Environmental Education Programme. Carlos Rodríguez, the Environment Minister, and José Domingo Fernández, the director for Ecological Transition and Biosphere Reserve, opened the proceedings.
Rodríguez emphasised the significance of understanding local biodiversity for effective conservation, stating, “Knowing what we have in our environment is essential to protect our natural wealth and ensure its longevity.”
Among the highlights was a talk by Gustavo Tejera, an ornithologist, who presented findings on the black-winged plover. He warned of the species’ decline, urging action to understand its biology and implement conservation measures.
Juan Carlos Illera, a researcher at the Institute of Biodiversity Research, shared insights on the canary stonechat, exploring its 20-year population decline and future prospects.
Miguel Ángel Cabrera from the Canary Islands Government discussed the VIGIA Network and bird population monitoring, stressing the necessity of having accurate data to inform conservation efforts.
The event also featured a documentary screening of “Fuerteventura, a Desert Full of Life” by filmmaker Pedro Felipe Acosta, aimed at raising awareness of local biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
It concluded with a roundtable discussion moderated by Fernández, featuring contributions from Tejera, Illera, Cabrera, and Acosta, sharing perspectives from their respective fields.
This initiative reinforces Fuerteventura’s commitment to education, knowledge exchange, and raising environmental awareness to enhance public engagement in protecting the island’s natural heritage.
