In a determined effort to protect the natural environment of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, the Cabildo de Lanzarote has processed a total of 250 environmental infractions so far in 2024, some of which have led to sanctioning proceedings with fines of between 300 and 600 euros.
These sanctions are the result of the work of the Environmental Agents Unit, which collaborates with the Canary Agency for the Protection of the Natural Environment of the Government of the Canary Islands and the Ministry of the Environment, to preserve protected spaces and promote sustainable use of the island.
"Our commitment to sustainability is firm and unwavering. Lanzarote is a unique Biosphere Reserve that must be enjoyed respectfully and preserved both by those who reside here and by those who visit us. Ensuring the conservation of our natural heritage and our biodiversity is a political priority for this government and a responsibility that we assume with pride and determination," says Oswaldo Betancort, president of the Cabildo de Lanzarote.
From the Cabildo de Lanzarote they have defended that "measures have been taken to limit the indiscriminate influx to protected spaces, while increasing the material and human resources of surveillance and awareness", the Cabildo said in a statement. However, at present, the island has eight workers in the Environmental Agents Unit, the same as when the mandate began a year ago.
The preservation of our environment," adds the president, "is an issue that goes beyond a specific management; it is a vision of the future and a shared responsibility that will mark the development of Lanzarote for future generations."
In this sense, the Councilor for the Environment and Biosphere Reserve, Samuel Martín, explains that "the Environmental Agents Unit, formed by eight professionals at present, plays a crucial role in the protection of the island environment, with tasks ranging from the control of the influx in protected spaces to the inspection of infractions in rustic and urban soils with environmental impact."
In addition, they collaborate in educational campaigns in the schools of the island, promoting environmental awareness among young people. "This year, in particular," emphasizes Martín, "we have launched specific campaigns during the hunting season and the flight of the shearwaters, sensitizing the population to reduce infractions in areas of great natural value."
Most frequent infractions
The Councilor for the Environment also explains that among the most common infractions detected by environmental agents are activities not allowed in protected spaces, such as the circulation of motor vehicles, parking in unauthorized areas, or the use of drones without the corresponding authorization, among others.
As detailed by Rubén Ramírez, environmental agent of the Cabildo, "the most common infractions are concentrated in emblematic places such as the Natural Park of the Volcanoes, the Charco de Los Clicos or lately in Las Grietas. We observe that visitors tend to park in unauthorized areas, access craters, take stones and sand, actions that greatly damage the environment and that go against the conservation regulations."
The mission of the agents is not only to control and monitor but also to sensitize the resident population and tourists. "Lanzarote is a unique and very visited place, so our work also consists of informing and raising awareness among visitors so that they understand what can and cannot be done in these spaces," concludes Ramírez.