The Palmar Fishermen’s Community distributed 60 fixed fishing spots this Sunday in l’Albufera during the traditional ‘redolins’ draw, which is in its 775th year. For the professionals of this art, the day – celebrated every second weekend of July – is «a day of nerves and expectation» because the result is «decisive» for the catch throughout the fishing year. This year, «even more so, as the situation in l’Albufera is delicate, especially after the dana and its consequences.»
This was expressed by Júlia Climent, Councilor for Human Resources, Central Technical Services, Contracting, and Districts, this Sunday, in statements to Europa Press Television, where she stated that the ‘redolins’ draw is «a very special event, a centennial event, with over seven centuries of history.»
«It is a privilege to be here and to share this very special day for all fishermen. The situation in l’Albufera is delicate. That is why it is time, more than ever, I believe, for unity, unity of everyone, unity of fishermen, farmers, and administrations,» she emphasized.
Climent argued that through this «unity,» efforts must be made to «invest and do everything possible to improve l’Albufera,» advocating for «the renewal of water, that flow of water that must arrive is crucial to provide a solution.»
The ‘redolins’ draw, which distributes fishing spots among the members of the Palmar Fishermen’s Community, has its origins in the 13th century and has become a «ancestral tradition» that keeps alive the lake’s uses and customs. However, this year, due to the lack of generational turnover, the draw has been extended to fishermen who are not members of the Community.
One of the participants was Mustafá Jové, born into a family of fishermen in Gambia and now a resident of Gandia (Valencia). For Jové, who has been in Valencia for 18 years, this is his first year attending the draw and he emphasized that he is «very grateful» to the Palmar Fishermen’s Community.
«I liked l’Albufera, especially because I learn new things, and, well, let’s see how this year goes,» he explained. The young fisherman, who got the El Fornàs 1 area, highlighted that he «loves» fishing and that it is «generational» for him because it is «the only thing» he knows. «We are a family of fishermen, from my grandfather to now,» he emphasized.
EXEMPLARY ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
On the other hand, the Minister of Environment, Infrastructure, and Territory, Vicente Martínez Mus, highlighted the «fundamental and exemplary» role that fishermen play in the defense of l’Albufera and the sustainable management of its resources, as well as the «joint work» of all sectors involved in the park’s recovery after the floods last autumn.
During his speech at the draw, Martínez Mus stated that «each of the sectors present in l’Albufera is the best example of good practices and coexistence between traditional uses and the development of human activity with the preservation of its rich ecosystem.»
Martínez Mus emphasized the «historical and cultural relevance» of the event, which «is part of the identity of the Valencians and our natural heritage,» and thanked «the fishermen’s concern for the conservation of the environment.»
The minister valued their role «as true agents of proximity with the lake and its species.» In this sense, he highlighted their involvement in the management of the communal good, conflict resolution, and the «fair distribution» of resources.
WATER DEFENSE
In his speech, the Minister of Environment advocated for the «defense of water» as an «essential element» to ensure the survival of the lake. In this regard, he recalled the «historical» actions promoted by the Generalitat, such as the Water Pact for l’Albufera, signed with the irrigation communities, and the decree recently approved by the Consell allowing continuous connection of the lagoon with the sea, given the exceptional effects of the floods and high temperatures.
These actions are part of the shock plan promoted by the Generalitat for the recovery of the natural park, with a total investment of 20 million euros. Measures implemented include the removal of water and waste accumulated after the dana, restoration work on infrastructure and the ecosystem, as well as the drafting of new projects to strengthen space protection.
Additionally, high-precision monitoring systems are being developed in collaboration with universities to obtain a technical diagnosis of the lake’s state every three months.
«From the Generalitat, we will continue working for the maximum preservation of this unique space and to keep alive its traditional activities, like this ‘redolins’ draw, which is a symbol of history, culture, and commitment to the environment,» concluded the minister.
