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Bilbao expands network of wetlands to protect environment
Bilbao has decided to expand the network of wetlands to mitigate negative effects of climate change and loss of biodiversity in the municipality.
Headed by Mayor of Bilbao Juan María Aburto, the city stressed the importance of restoring wetlands and managing them in sustainable manner.
Bilbao stressed that activities carried out in the municipality thus far resulted in a noticeable increase in biodiversity and added that continued efforts will improve the situation further.
Besides building a new micro-wetland, the city council authorised studies to optimise the management of existing and planned micro-wetlands in the north and south of the municipality.
Councillor for mobility and sustainability Nora Abete pointed out that “these sites, in addition to being essential for the conservation of biodiversity, play a fundamental role as cushioning elements of the urban nucleus by being used by the inhabitants of the areas where they are found as places of recreation and enjoyment of nature.”
She stressed the importance of continuing to work on expansion of the network of wetlands in the municipality.
City authorities noted that fragile ecosystems need special protection, pointing out that micro-wetlands are physically small but very important for biodiversity.
Bilbao concluded that it remains committed to protection of wetlands and biodiversity, and will continue to do what it can to reverse negative effects of urbanisation on the environment.
(Photo credit: Bilbao)
