The images of dozens of cars parked on the dunes of Famara are repeated every weekend and worsen during the summer months. On many occasions, the wheels of vehicles get trapped in the sand and end up needing a crane or the solidarity of those present to get the cars out of the sand.
This space, protected as a natural park, has suffered for years from the consequences of population growth, mass tourism, and the arrival of cars.
Now, the Canary Islands Coastal Demarcation has reinstalled several signs on Famara beach to inform about the prohibition of parking on the sand. However, it maintains the possibility of parking on the asphalt on the road that connects Caleta de Famara with the Los Noruegos bungalows.
In this line, the area, being a public maritime-terrestrial domain, has insisted on the prohibition of camping in this space. Caravans can only park, but not spend the night and camp. Thus, the signage has also highlighted the prohibition of dumping waste in the place, as has been happening in the socos, where plastics and cans can be found frequently.
The increase in vehicles parked on the sand already forced the installation of wooden bollards in the El Papelillo area in 2019 to prevent parking on the sand. Costas will also study the possibility of installing these bollards in other areas of the beach to prevent parking on the dune park.
According to the new island director of the General State Administration in Lanzarote, Pedro Viera, to La Voz, these signs have also been installed in La Santa for the same purpose, trying to preserve and conserve the natural environment.
In addition, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge has conveyed to the Civil Guard the importance of pursuing damage to the environment in the Famara environment. Especially during weekends and periods of greater influx, there is a directive to fine those who park on the sand in these spaces. "I am aware of the commitment and concern that the conversation be preserved," he indicated.
Thus, the population increase in Lanzarote, added to the growth of tourist arrivals, translates into the need for more troops from the State Security Forces and Corps on the island, as Pedro Viera relates.
In this sense, Viera has highlighted that, apart from coercive measures, it is important that the population and visitors of this natural jewel of Lanzarote take care of and respect the environment. "We have the obligation to be able to enjoy it without spoiling it," he explained to this editorial team. "Lanzarote cannot be understood without this landscape," he added.
Thus, during the interview, Pedro Viera also responded about the protection measures for the island of La Graciosa, since most of the island is owned by the State, facing the summer. He pointed out that the management of the La Graciosa park has requested an increase in the presence of the Civil Guard facing the summer months, to avoid or, at least, reduce damage to the environment.
