“Wetlands for our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods” is the 2016’s theme for the World Wetlands Day, which is celebrated every year on 2 February.
On the occasion of this international event “Laguna of La Janda Friends Association” organized last Sunday a program of acts to claim the recovery and protection of the former Lagoon of La Janda, in which Birding The Strait was invited to participate.
For those of you willing to get more information about the formely largest lagoon of Spain and Europe, we eagerly recommend visiting “Laguna of La Janda Friends Association” Website and Blog.
The event, held at the Cultural Center of Tahivilla (Tarifa), started with a brief introduction by Jose Manuel López, secretary of the association, who presented a summary on the history and ecological importance of the former lagoon, and explained the audience the goals and actions currently undertaken by the association.
Next, Birding The Strait participated with a talk and a photography presentation about the birds of La Janda and its experience as local nature guides, together with other members of the association.
This event served to pay a tribute to Francisco Jiménez Durán “Paco el taxista”, from Tahivilla, who was the pioneer for the birdwatching tourism in Cádiz (and andalusia?) and guided hundreds of international birders in and around La Janda in the 60s, 70s and 80s using his taxi. A commemorative plaque was presented to Paco and he was appointed honorary member of “Laguna of La Janda Friends Association”.
To conclude, the participants visited La Janda region where, in less than one hour and wonderfull springtime weather, we had the chance to observe a Squacco Heron, a lovely group of Common Cranes, several Marsh Harriers, 3 early Black Kites on migration, over 60 Spoonbills and, above all, we got striking views of a young Spanish Imperial Eagle chased by a Peregrine!
The event was attended by more than 90 people and considered a big success by both the organizers and the participants. Certainly, it should be repeated in the future!
If you want to join this initiative follow this link and get involved in La Janda!
La Janda is one of our most popular and beloved birding destinations. For this reason, as part of our social commitment, Birding The Strait does fully support and actively participate as a board member in the activities of “Laguna of La Janda Friends Association” aiming the recovery and protection of the former lagoon.
“The achievement of a legal figure of protection in conformity with the natural values of La Janda, along with the restoration of lost habitats, is a dream for every local birder!”
