The Seprona detects tourist companies that offer motorcycle excursions in protected areas of the Canary Islands

The Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) of the Las Palmas Command has identified the drivers and responsible parties of several companies dedicated to motor tourism, who were organizing and promoting enduro routes by motorcycle through unauthorized areas of the island of Fuerteventura.

These activities were taking place in areas that are currently subject to restrictions and temporary preventive closures established by the island administration, due to their high ecological value and in order to guarantee the protection of birds during their breeding season.

Motorcycle excursions through several protected areas

The action began after the Seprona Patrol became aware of the existence of several companies that allegedly carried out illegal routes through unauthorized areas and protected natural spaces. Among the affected locations were areas classified as Special Protection Areas for Birds (ZEPA) and Special Conservation Areas (ZEC), spaces that have a high level of environmental protection.

Based on this information, the agents initiated the corresponding investigations to verify the facts and determine the possible responsibility of the companies involved. Once the initial indications were obtained and the necessary data was compiled, SEPRONA intensified surveillance and control efforts in those areas where there was evidence of these activities taking place, establishing various monitoring devices to check their development.

As a result of the investigations and surveillance services carried out, the agents managed to identify those responsible for the investigated activities. Likewise, it was confirmed that the companies were offering tourist packages that included accommodation and routes with motor vehicles through protected natural spaces, also lacking the necessary documentation and authorizations for the development of leisure and active tourism activities in the Canary Islands.

For these facts, the corresponding administrative complaints were filed for alleged infractions of Law 4/2017, of July 13, on Land and Protected Natural Areas of the Canary Islands, which could entail economic sanctions ranging from 600 to 6,000 euros. Likewise, complaints were also filed for possible infractions of Law 7/1995, of April 6, on Tourism Planning of the Canary Islands, whose sanctions could reach amounts of between 1,500 and 300,000 euros.