The Adeje Town Council has devised a thorough strategy to eliminate the numerous stacks of stones that have emerged along its coastline. These constructions, put up by both tourists and locals, have become integrated into the coastal scenery across various municipalities in the southern part of Tenerife. In the vicinity of the Water Callaos Reserve, adjacent to El Veril Beach, approximately 200 stone piles can be observed scattered along the shore. According to the Town Council, these formations “disrupt the natural equilibrium and pose a risk to biodiversity and the landscape.”
The Town Council intends to remove these structures at least once a month, with operations conducted by Adeje Services (EMSA). Additionally, awareness campaigns will be launched to educate the public. Planned initiatives include the installation of informative signage, posts on social media, as well as workshops and discussions aimed at residents, community groups, and educational institutions.
While the Adeje Town Council acknowledges that this is not a municipal ordinance, the forthcoming regulation is rooted in Law 4/2010 concerning the Canarian Catalogue of Protected Species and Law 42/2007 regarding Natural Heritage and Biodiversity.
Both laws emphasise the significance of safeguarding ecosystems from threats such as the spread of invasive species or alterations to natural habitats. Furthermore, the upcoming Biodiversity Law of the Canary Islands, which is currently being approved, will bolster these regulations.
Ecological Balance
The stacking of stones, as highlighted by the head of the area, Patricia Paulsen, “creates severe environmental and aesthetic repercussions that endanger the ecological balance of the region.” These activities, closely linked to tourism, disrupt the coastal scenery, presenting obstacles to visibility and exacerbating soil erosion; the ongoing movement of rocks destabilises the ground and promotes degradation.
Regarding local fauna and flora, invertebrates such as sea urchins and crabs, along with insects and marine plant life like algae, are notably impacted by the shifting of stones. Thus, the delicate balance of the coastal ecosystem is significantly disrupted by the exposure of plant roots and the habitats of molluscs and crustaceans.
Moreover, these makeshift structures pose a danger to tourists and residents, as they are unstable formations that can collapse, leading to potential accidents.
