Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are much more than just technical facilities for treating wastewater. They are becoming increasingly important biodiversity havens, where the presence of green spaces, bodies of water, and low human activity provide ideal conditions for many wildlife species. In this spirit, the Castellón Provincial Council and Facsa have renewed their commitment to the conservation of native fauna in 2025 by installing 49 new nest boxes at 25 WWTPs across the province. Furthermore, this project also includes a social component, as all the boxes were made in a Cáritas job training workshop, thus contributing to the social and professional integration of people in vulnerable situations.
This action is part of a campaign now in its third consecutive year, with a cumulative total of 144 nest boxes installed at 75 wastewater treatment plants. The project aims to encourage the presence of insectivorous birds that contribute to ecological balance and to raise awareness of the potential of water infrastructure as spaces for the conservation of native wildlife.
Diversity of nesting species
In this edition, nesting has been confirmed in 47 nest boxes distributed across more than twenty wastewater treatment plants. A total of 184 eggs and 159 chicks have been counted, demonstrating a high degree of occupancy and reproductive success. Furthermore, this year has seen an increase in the diversity of nesting species. In addition to the usual great tits (Parus major), the wren has been added (Troglodytes troglodytes) and the blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), which highlights the improvement of the environment and its ability to adapt to different species.
The president of the Castellón Provincial Council, Marta Barrachina, and the deputy delegate for the Integrated Water Cycle, Iván Sánchez, along with the deputy director of Purification Operations of Facsa, Sergio Alonso, and other representatives of the company have closely followed the launch of the third edition of this initiative.
Once again, the Castellón Provincial Council and Facsa reaffirm their commitment to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in the Castellón region, promoting initiatives like this one that demonstrate that wastewater treatment plants are not only spaces for waste purification or valorization, but also for life.
