This project Coexistence explores the relationship between urban bird species, swallows, swifts and house martins with humans for their conservation. Part of the project was the development of an application to map the nests of these urban species. Initially this was developed for use in Vejer de la Frontera with the hope that it would prove a useful tool in other municipalities.

At this time, the concept of coexistence is especially important, as humanity is facing a possible turning point in the climate crisis. Can we coexist peacefully with the other species living in our villages? Coexistence is about looking at the relationship we have with these species that live close to us. The aim of this project is to provide a platform; to draw attention to these urban species and to look for ways in which we can better coexist.

Sometimes we justify the existence of other species by their “use” of the service they provide, but the truth is that everything has a function in a healthy ecosystem. These urban species benefit us, they control the insect pests like mosquitoes that bother us. The cities and towns of Spain have a great diversity of species, this should not be taken for granted.

In Northern Europe, great conservation efforts are being made to encourage these species, where swifts for example have decreased by 50%. Urban bird species are bio-indicators, they are a measure of the health of our towns. House martins cannot live in places with air pollution, they move away from polluted cities.

The fact that these species live among us is something to celebrate, our health is mutually dependent.