El Jable, a vast expanse of sand and biodiversity in Lanzarote, has been the epicenter of a conference that has highlighted the urgent need for more research and management of this unique ecosystem. On September 19th and 20th, the Santo Domingo Convent in Teguise hosted the event El Jable, an (un)known ecosystem; Block 1. The value of the soil and the history it holds, organized by the Viento del Noreste Environmental Defense Association, with the support of the Teguise City Council and the Lanzarote Cabildo.
Miriam Jorge, Councilor for the Environment of Teguise, was in charge of opening the conference, highlighting that "El Jable is one of Lanzarote's greatest natural treasures, and its protection must be a priority for future generations."
"El Jable: origin, values and threats" – José Mangas Viñuela, University Professor
José Mangas Viñuela, Doctor of Geological Sciences and professor at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, addressed the geological origin and vulnerability of El Jable. He stressed that "El Jable is a sedimentary record of global terrestrial changes that have occurred in the last millions of years of Lanzarote's geological history. When geodiversity is destroyed, it is never recovered," recalling that field studies are limited and warning about the serious threats facing this space.
"El Jable: store of information about the history of life" – Antonio Sánchez Marco, Paleontologist
The paleontologist Antonio Sánchez Marco delved into the paleontological findings of El Jable, including bone remains and eggs of the Canarian shearwater of the dunes (Puffinus holeae) in Montaña Timbaiba. "El Jable is an entity that preserves fossils that could be key to better understanding the history of life on the island. However, without further research, we may never discover its full potential," commented Marco, calling for intensified study efforts.
"Recovery of archaeological and cultural heritage" – Hacomar Ruiz González, Archaeologist
In the archaeological field, Hacomar Ruiz González highlighted the importance of excavations in places such as Fiquinineo and Peña de Las Cucharas, sites that have revealed a rich cultural history. "These discoveries are just the tip of the iceberg of what El Jable can offer in terms of archaeological heritage," Ruiz stressed, who emphasized the need to continue with these works to recover more elements of the past.
"Protection does not imply conservation" – Jonathan Sicilia, Urban Technician
Jonathan Sicilia concluded the presentations with a reflection on the management of protected areas in El Jable. "Legal protection does not guarantee real conservation. If they are not managed properly, protected areas lose their value," said Sicilia, who also moderated a round table between the speakers at the end of the conference.
Conclusions of the round table: A call to action
The conference ended with a round table where the four speakers agreed on the urgency of promoting interdisciplinary research for El Jable, in order to preserve its geodiversity and biodiversity. The lack of exhaustive studies and the general ignorance about the natural and cultural wealth of El Jable were the main points of concern. Carmen Portella, spokesperson for the Viento de Noreste Association, explained that "the objective of these conferences is to gather as much knowledge as possible from experts in different subjects, identify threats and promote concrete actions."
Next steps: an invitation to the community
This event is part of a cycle of three blocks of conferences, where it is expected to delve into other aspects of the El Jable ecosystem in the coming months. The following conferences are scheduled for November and December, with the aim of continuing to raise awareness in the community and fostering collaboration between experts, authorities and society.