The municipality of Algeciras and Fundación Moeve have strengthened their commitment to safeguarding the climax vegetation of the Huerta de las Pilas wetland. This natural space, covering 2,500 square meters and formed after the abandonment of an old quarry, has become an ecological haven for various migratory and nesting bird species, as well as hosting a rich diversity of cork oaks, grasslands, and scrublands.

The signing of the new agreement, by the mayor of Algeciras, Jose Ignacio Landaluce, and the representative of Fundación Moeve for Andalusia, Jesús Velasco Nevado, continues the work initiated for the recovery and improvement of this ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on the second phase of the project, which includes fencing and signage of the area to ensure its conservation and promote the presence of fauna.

This agreement aligns with the shared commitment of both entities towards sustainable development and the fulfillment of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal number fifteen, focused on the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems. Mayor Landaluce highlighted the importance of collaboration between public administrations and the private sector to improve citizens' quality of life and emphasized the municipality's natural heritage, also mentioning the Palmones river area and the Llano del Juncal Fog Forest.

Landaluce recalled that last year's agreement laid the groundwork for protecting the wetland by installing nearly a kilometer of fencing, accompanied by informative signage. He stressed that the Huerta de las Pilas is crucial for migratory birds crossing the Strait, positioning Algeciras as an international observation point for this phenomenon.

Estrella Blanco López, provincial representative of Fundación Moeve in Cádiz, thanked the City Council and the Department of Environment for their involvement, calling the project a benefit for citizens and a new green lung for the Campo de Gibraltar. She recalled the entity's strategy in wetland recovery and expressed her hope that the Huerta de las Pilas will become a future project.

Javier Vázquez, deputy mayor delegate for Environment, thanked Fundación Moeve for their involvement and noted that the planned actions will strengthen the wetland's protection, benefiting both vegetation and fauna. The City Council also acknowledged the collaboration of the Asociación Biodiversidad Laguna Huerta de las Pilas and the sensitivity of the owners of the Cortijo San Bernabé.