Western Wetlands of Aruba: Baseline study of the pressures, threats and biodiversity values of the (former) saliñas at Bubali, Palm Beach, Cerca, Malmok, and Drui

The Western Wetlands (392 ha) consist of five (former) saliñas along the northwest coast of Aruba, managed by the Aruba Conservation Foundation. Three saliñas are effluent-fed with still polluted fresh water from a wastewater treatment plant, while two others are relatively natural. This baseline study assessed the main threats to the saliñas among which pollution, erosion, sedimentation, fragmentation, visitor impacts and invasive species. Despite these pressures still 178 plant species and over 200 migratory and breeding bird species have been recorded. The sites play a crucial role in safeguarding the natural values of the island. This report gives way to the development of a management plan.