María José Viñals, professor at the Polytechnic University of Valencia and director of the Spanish Wetlands Center created by the Biodiversity Foundation, gave a seminar last Thursday organized by the FACSA Chair of Innovation in the Integrated Water Cycle of the Universitat Jaume I, within its seminar cycle, “Seminar Thursdays”.
The seminar—which was attended by representatives from public administration and private sector, as well as researchers, professionals, and students in the field—focused on the social dimension of wetlands, emphasizing that the enjoyment of nature is a constitutional right and how an informed citizenry is fundamental to conserving these ecosystems. As Viñals pointed out, “If you don't have public support, the decisions you make will fail. However, if proposals come from the community, there is a much greater chance they will be implemented. To achieve this, people need to be informed and given the tools to analyze the issue so they can appreciate and want to protect wetlands.”.
Similarly, the professor emphasized the importance of raising awareness among public administrations and decision-makers, noting that "the conservation of these areas often depends on them and the laws they support." She also highlighted the environmental value of the Valencian Community's wetlands, as they are "the only freshwater wetlands in the Mediterranean region, making them a vital freshwater reservoir.".
During her presentation, María José Viñals gave a historical overview of the concept of wetlands, analyzing the different initiatives and regulations over the last few decades. In this regard, she highlighted the Ramsar Convention, active since 1971, as one of the first existing international environmental treaties. This convention, which María José has attended in recent years, aims to conserve and promote the wise use of wetlands through local and national actions as a contribution to achieving sustainable development worldwide.
This seminar, held within the framework of initiatives for World Wetlands Day, is part of the training activities organized by the FACSA Chair of Innovation in the Integrated Water Cycle of the UJI.
