Marca: Swifts build nests at home Betis, clubs take multiple measures to protect them

The Marca reported that Betis will protect the swift group that builds nests in the stadium.

Based on the report submitted by the SOS Swift Association to the Sustainable Development and Environment Commission of the Andalusia Autonomous Region in June this year, which warned the existence of swift habitat communities on the Benito Villamarin Stadium. Real Betis immediately joined hands with biodiversity experts to launch an action plan to protect this protected species and to advance the removal of the North Stand while ensuring full compliance with environmental standards.

Betis verified the species and its nesting areas concentrated mainly in the North and South stands, and adjusted the construction schedule to match the bird breeding cycle (end from late July to early August). The expert team also conducts weekly inspections to monitor bird activities and survival status. At present, these swifts have basically completed their breeding cycle. In fact, most of the young birds have left their nests for test flights. In addition, the club will set up artificial nest "hotels" in the area around the stadium, and provide a habitat for affected individuals when these migratory birds return from the African continent's migration next spring. The complete action plan has been submitted to the competent authority, The Sustainable Development and Environment Committee of the Andalusia Autonomous Region, which has issued an approval opinion for the scheduled works after completing the site survey on July 23. This means that demolition works can be carried out on schedule while ensuring that there is no threat to protect birds. Swifts are listed as a vulnerable species, and their population has dropped significantly in Spain in recent years. Its ecological role is crucial, and it can prey on large quantities of insects that help control urban and rural pests and farmlands.

Through such initiatives, Betis strives to minimize the environmental impact of business activities and actively assist in ecological protection with the help of a wide range of publicity activities for fans. Since the establishment of the "Eternal Green" platform in 2020, Betis has promoted a number of environmental protection practices, including venue facilities vigorously promoting energy efficiency reform, advocating the use of renewable energy, and implementing water-saving and waste reduction measures in events and activities, and continuously strengthening its environmental protection commitments.