On February 27 and 28, the Villa de Teguise will be the setting for the third series of conferences entitled El Jable, a (un)known system: biodiversity and anthropocene. Conservation challenges. This event will bring together leading specialists in different disciplines to address the importance of conserving El Jable de Lanzarote, a unique ecosystem that faces multiple threats.
During the two days, four conferences will be offered and will close with a round table. The initiative is organized by the Association for the Defense of the Environment Viento de Noreste (Desert Watch Lanzarote project), in collaboration with the Teguise City Council and the Lanzarote Biosphere Reserve, and has the support of the César Manrique Foundation and Lanzarote Geoparks.
Conference program
Thursday, February 27
5.30 pm – The spider Cerbalus verneaui: the painted lady of El Jable, a natural treasure in danger. Speaker: Dr. Sergio Henríques, leader of the IUCN Spider and Scorpion Specialist Group (Indianapolis, USA). Dr. Henríques, a recognized expert in arachnology, will present the fascinating world of hunting spiders and their role in ecosystems.
7.00 pm – Challenges and opportunities to restore El Jable. Speaker: Dr. Jordi Cortina Segarra, Professor of Ecology and Restoration of Arid Lands at the University of Alicante. Considered one of the leading specialists in landscape restoration, Dr. Cortina will analyze the challenges and possible solutions for the recovery of El Jable.
Friday, February 28
6.00 pm – Birds in transit: El Jable as a key point for the migration and conservation of species. Speakers: Laura Gangoso, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Amsterdam and expert in birds of prey, and Walo Moreno, field technician. In their presentation, they will explore the role of El Jable as an essential refuge for small migratory birds.
7.30 pm – The role of El Jable in the survival of the African houbara bustard. Speaker: Nigel Collar, co-leader of the IUCN Bustard Specialist Group. Collar will offer a vision of the bustard species, their threats and, in particular, the situation of the Canary houbara. He will explain the key role of El Jable in the survival of this emblematic species. The talk in English will have simultaneous translation into Spanish.
8.30 pm – Closing round table Moderated by Aurora Torres, researcher in ecology and sustainability sciences at the University of Alicante. It will feature the participation of the speakers of both days, who will debate on the challenges and perspectives of conservation of El Jable. A forum for knowledge and conservation. The series of talks El Jable, a (un)known system began in September 2024 with the purpose of bringing together experts in geology, biology, traditional agriculture, heritage and other disciplines. Its objective is to offer an integral vision of this ecosystem and promote strategies for its conservation.
