El Efequén to file a complaint over “damage” to the

The heritage association El Efequén announced that it will lodge a formal complaint with the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office over the damage caused in the Barranco de La Herradura (Puerto del Rosario), which it attributes to actions taken by the Cabildo of Fuerteventura. The organization described the incident as “a new attack on the island’s natural and historic heritage” and demanded the removal of the manager of the Island Water Council and the regional Environment Minister.

According to the association, the Cabildo’s tractor blades disturbed archaeological sites listed on the archaeological map, including a shell‑mound and various surface artefacts. The work also allegedly destroyed a population of Canary Island sea‑rosemary, a protected species, as well as the reed beds and vegetation that provide habitat for several bird species.

The group reminded readers that the area hosts and nests species with special protection measures, such as kestrels, harriers, majorcan owls, tawny‑eared hawks, and stone curlews. In addition, it noted that the works led to the loss of centuries‑old fig trees and vines and affected private properties.

“The incident is extremely serious and possibly constitutive of crimes, as it violates legal protection provisions,” the association said. It highlighted two infractions: the damage to elements of the newly approved Catalog of Heritage Assets of Puerto del Rosario, and the execution of the works during the peak nesting period, despite the Cabildo itself having restricted access to the ravine from 15 February to 31 July.

El Efequén will ask the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the prior and subsequent actions of the Department of Heritage and Environment, the Municipality of Puerto del Rosario, and the Island Water Council, which granted the permit.

The association lamented that “it is precisely the island institution, which should set an example in respecting our territory and history, that has carried out such a grave act.” It questioned what measures the Cabildo would have taken if the damage had been caused by private individuals:

“Will the Cabildo be able to sanction itself? Will the Municipality of Puerto del Rosario file a complaint against the Cabildo for destroying this newly catalogued protected heritage?”