Gibraltarian Re-Elected to Nature Reserve Board

Dr John Cortes, Director of the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens and General Secretary of the Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society, has been elected to serve for a third term on the Board of Directors of the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, one of the largest protected areas in Andalucia, and regarded by experts as containing the best natural woodland in Iberia.

The Board is made up largely of representatives from the different stakeholders, including Ayuntamientos, landowners, NGOs, industries and trade unions.  Three of the posts are held by independent members, known as "miembros de reconocido prestigio", elected by the rest of the membership.  John Cortes has been elected as one of these three independent experts for the third successive term of three years.

The Board, or "Junta Rectora"  works with park officials and the Delegacion Provincial de Medio Ambiente in Cadiz in developing policy in the Reserve and in administering and controlling the use of the park, proposals for development, etc., as well as in promoting research and nature conservation.