The summer holidays are just around the corner, and for those who have not yet decided on their destination, it is important to consider that not all beaches offer the best conditions. This Wednesday, Ecologists in Action published their annual report ‘Black Flags 2024’, which identifies beaches and coastal areas in Spain that stand out negatively for their management and environmental conditions. The report highlights 48 locations across the country, affected by pollutants and poor urban development.
One of the main issues highlighted by Ecologists in Action is the touristification and uncontrolled urbanization of the coast, especially in the Canary Islands. This situation generates aggressions and threats that endanger the conservation of the natural environment and the future of future generations. The islands of Tenerife and Fuerteventura, as well as the beach of Lanzarote, have been highlighted for their serious environmental problems.
Map of beaches with black flags in the Canary Islands / La Provincia
Tenerife: Granadilla and Adeje
In Tenerife, the largest and most populated island in the archipelago, pollution from sewage discharges is a major concern. Ecologists in Action points out that around 57 million litres of sewage are discharged daily, equivalent to 17 Olympic swimming pools, affecting not only Tenerife but all the islands in the archipelago.
During the pandemic, a Galician construction company built the skeleton of a hotel on the iconic La Tejita beach (Tenerife). / La Provincia
The organization also denounces the tourism projects in Granadilla and Adeje, specifically pointing to the La Tejita Hotel and the Cuna del Alma Hotel. These constructions are causing significant environmental impacts in natural areas, sparking numerous complaints and concerns from the ecological community.
The Natural Park of Corralejo Dunes in Fuerteventura is another critical point identified by Ecologists in Action. The granting of public domain lands for the construction of large hotels has been classified as poor management, endangering this valuable natural environment. The organization demands a reconsideration of these concessions to protect the dunes and their ecosystem.
Two tourists walk towards the Corralejo Dunes, with the OlivaBeach Hotel in the background. / GABRIEL FUSELLI
Playa Blanca in Lanzarote has received a black flag due to pollution caused by a breakdown in the sewage pumping station, resulting in sewage discharge on the beach. This incident highlights the need to improve sanitation infrastructure to prevent future pollution issues.
Pollution on the beach of the town of Playa Blanca / La Provincia
Discharge and urban development
The ‘Black Flags 2024’ report details that out of the 48 black flags awarded, 16 are for discharges and deficiencies in sanitation and purification systems, 15 for coastal urbanization, 6 for chemical, light, and noise pollution, and the remaining for other issues such as accumulation of marine litter and unjustified dredging.
Cristóbal López, spokesperson for Ecologists in Action, emphasized that the pressure of tourism and overcrowding is promoting a “predatory urbanism” that benefits large hotel chains and massive constructions, at the expense of the local population’s quality of life and the environment.
