AM-CC denounces “uncontrolled” sand discharge from the Sahara in Fuerteventura

The Majorca Assembly – Canarian Coalition of Fuerteventura (AM‑CC) has expressed deep concern over the recent docking of the cargo vessel Dura Bulk in Puerto del Rosario. The Moroccan‑flagged ship unloaded yesterday several tonnes of sand originating from El Aaiún, Western Sahara, intended for construction projects on the island.

AM‑CC warns that the uncontrolled unloading of Western Saharan sand poses both legal and environmental risks. The party points out that such operations bypass the necessary border controls because the Border Inspection Point (PIF) in Puerto del Rosario remains inactive, allowing materials to enter without proper supervision.

Legal framework for imported sand

According to Canary Islands legislation, the handling of sand from the African continent is governed by the Order of 6 August 2001. This regulation establishes the criteria and protocols that must guide the import, control, and phytosanitary treatment of these materials to prevent the introduction of invasive species, pests, or contaminants into the archipelago.

Key requirements of the order include:

• Mandatory treatment of imported sand through one or more of the following methods:
  • Fumigation
  • High‑temperature thermal treatment
  • Application of chemical substances
  • Physical processes such as washing and sieving
• Documentation proving the sand’s origin and the treatments applied.
• Inspection at the PIF before the material can be used.

“The arrival of this vessel calls into question the effective compliance with the regulation,” the party notes.

Call for urgent reinforcement of the PIF

AM‑CC reiterates its request to the Spanish State to urgently reinforce the Border Inspection Point in the island’s capital. Although the facilities were prepared by the Canary Islands Government and the municipal council, the PIF still lacks the necessary personnel to operate, preventing effective control of incoming goods.

“This is an action that depends exclusively on the State’s commitment to Fuerteventura, a commitment that, unfortunately, we still do not see fulfilled,” the party states.

The assembly also emphasizes that management of inspection points must be coordinated among the various administrations involved—the State, the Island Council, and the municipal government—to ensure proper staffing, infrastructure, and compliance with national regulations on external health, customs, and phytosanitary control.

Criticism of passivity regarding Western Sahara’s resources

AM‑CC further argues that the practice violates United Nations and European Union resolutions, which affirm that permanent sovereignty over Western Sahara’s natural resources belongs to the Sahrawi people.

“With this action, the systematic exploitation of resources by the Kingdom of Morocco over the Sahrawi people is perpetuated, and such operations feed Moroccan power over Sahrawi territory against international rulings,” the party asserts.

The nationalist formation warns that the operation could breach international law as well as Spanish and Canary regulations governing the import and treatment of foreign sand. Consequently, AM‑CC urges the competent authorities to investigate the case urgently and to guarantee strict compliance with existing legislation “to avoid illegal practices that could have environmental, legal, and political consequences.”