European Researchers’ Night: playing for the future of Cádiz Bay

On Friday, 26 September, the REWRITE team from the University of Cádiz brought coastal rewilding to life at the European Researchers’ Night with an engaging, hands-on activity: the board game “Salt Marshes and Flamingos. Decide the fate of Cádiz Bay”.

Designed for all ages, the game invited participants to step into the role of decision-makers in Cádiz Bay’s salt pans. Moving around the board, players drew cards that challenged them to choose between rewilding abandoned salt pans or pursuing economic reactivation. Red and green squares added another layer of excitement, with “unsustainability” or “sustainability” cards that could set players back or help them advance.

Beyond the game, the activity included two panels explaining the concepts of rewilding and reactivation, a large map of Cádiz Bay, and small prizes like magnets featuring salt pan images. Visitors also received REWRITE postcards with information about the project, helping spread awareness of our work to restore and rethink Europe’s coastal landscapes.

The stand was a great success, drawing in children, families, and adults alike all curious to learn more about the future of salt marshes and the role of rewilding in addressing today’s climate and biodiversity challenges.

Stay tuned for more stories of how REWRITE connects science, communities, and creativity to reimagine our coasts!