The Junta de Andalucía will implement a plan between 2024 and 2025 to improve and modernize the facilities. 22 centers dedicated to the care of animals in Andalusia in which approximately three million euros will be invested. This was announced by Minister Ramón Fernández-Pacheco during his visit to the Strait Marine Environment Management Center (CEGMA), based in Algeciras.
Fernández-Pacheco explained that “facilities that are fundamental and essential for the protection of biodiversity will be renovated with the aim of modernizing them and improving their energy efficiency.”
In addition to the CEGMA of Algeciras, the consultant detailed that the eight Recovery Centers for Endangered Species (CREA) in Andalusia, the eleven botanical gardens, the Analytical and Diagnostic Center of Malaga and the Breeding Center of Fish and Invertebrates from Epicontinental Aquatic Environments in Los Villares (Córdoba).
The Advisor, who thanked and highlighted the joint work of all the Center’s professionals, recognized as positive the cooperation that the Centers maintain with fishermen, organizations, associations and institutions that help care for the endangered marine fauna.
“Caring for the environment is everyone’s business and public-private partnerships are essential to protect our rich biodiversity and natural areas,” he added.
It is precisely in the context of this commitment to biodiversity and the environment that Fernández-Pacheco has labeled the 2024 accounts for the second year in a row as “the greenest of an Andalusian government.”
The ministry’s budget will amount to 932 million euros by 2024 and of this amount more than 360 million euros will be allocated to forestry policy, biodiversity and protected natural areas, representing an increase of 44% compared to 2023.
Animal care centers in Andalusia
On the other hand, the Minister of Sustainability has named the Strait Marine Environment Management Center as “a reference point for the conservation and care of marine biodiversity in Andalusia and for the captive breeding of young hawksbill turtles in Spain”.
He explained that it is a leading center for the recovery of stranded, injured or endangered species and that it is also dedicated to scientific research.
Currently, the organization has six areas of work, including the Emergency Program against Mammal and Sea Turtle Strandings in Andalusia, which has recorded almost 4,800 strandings (4,799) from 2008 to 2023, of which 244 in 2023.
He also referred to the Endangered Marine Species Recovery Program, which has recorded the release of 314 turtles since its inception, 13 of which were released in 2023; to post-mortem examination of stranded animals on which necropsies are performed; to captive breeding programs – of which 54 baby turtles from the Marbella nest are in this center; as well as highlighting the environmental education activities carried out with schoolchildren to raise awareness among the little ones about animal care.