Jesús Padrón García, ULPGC
In the framework of project LIFE INTEMARES, and as representatives of ECOAQUA’s Biodiversity and Conservation Group, MarineSABRES research staff was invited to take part in workshops intended for the involvement of socioeconomic sectors in the elaboration of management plans for two Natura 2000 sites, being the Site of Community Importance ESZZ12002 and Special Protection Area ES0000532.
These areas house sandbanks with seagrass meadows (Cymodocea nodosa) and reefs of black coral (Antipathella wollastoni), Flabellum sp. and others, as Community Interest Habitats, along species such as the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), as well as reproductive colonies of protected marine bird species like the Bulwer’s petrel (Bulweria bulwerii), or the white-faced storm petrel (Pelagodroma marina), among others.
Blossoming Cymodocea nodosa off the coast of Corsica (Image Credit: Sylvain Le Bris)
The event was held in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote on the 11th and 13th of June 2024, respectively, and entailed the dynamic collaboration of stakeholders from entities such as local fisheries, recreational activities, industry and research. As a result of the workshops, the level of acceptability and suitability of a set of proposed conservation measures was assessed. The element of governance was likewise debated, including aspects such as the proposal of a strategy to raise awareness for the need for protection within these sites.
Ultimately, this was an opportunity to promote the establishment of Marine Protected Areas to reach biodiversity conservation goals in the future.
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