More Access and Building Regularization: Keys to the New Saladar Regulations

Updating planning rules and instruments is always a thorny issue. The new Conservation Regulations for the Scientific Interest Site “Playa del Matorral” will allow a new footbridge, preventing visitors from crossing the wetland, while also aiming to regularise and provide “legal certainty” for the buildings inside it.

The Cabildo of Fuerteventura has opened to public consultation the draft amendment to the Conservation Regulations for the Scientific Interest Site “Playa del Matorral.” The amendment was approved by the Island Government Council on 10 February 2026, after a process that began in 2022.

The protected area, part of the Natura network, is known as the Saladar de Jandía (Morro Jable, Pájara). It is a coastal ecosystem of high value, consisting of an extensive halophytic‑vegetation wetland that, due to decades of urban development, is now sandwiched between the beach and the Solana Matorral tourist zone.

According to the Cabildo, the site needs a series of rule changes to allow the installation of a new pedestrian walkway. Although the new path will affect vegetation, the measure is justified, as the notice explains, “to organise foot traffic and protect the environmental values of the area,” given that, in the absence of additional access points, many visitors cross through unauthorised routes.

Regularising Pre‑Existing Buildings Within the Salt Marsh

The Cabildo states that the amendment will “regularise the situation of pre‑existing buildings and installations within the area, in accordance with current legislation.” The document explicitly aims to:

“Provide regulatory coverage for buildings and installations that are currently outside the planning framework or have an uncertain legal status, but that coincide with the Scientific Interest Site of Playa del Matorral.”

The draft does not list every structure, but they are visible to any visitor and include:

• The Morro Jable lighthouse with its bathing area and services,
• Two beach bars,
• Two public parks along the promenade,
• The former wastewater treatment plant, which Costas has already authorised the Cabildo to dismantle.

The amendment also proposes to incorporate provisions that address the legal consolidation status of all installations, constructions and buildings erected under the planning rules in force at the time of their construction or subsequently legalised, but now inconsistent with the Conservation Regulations of this Protected Natural Space (ENP). These structures currently exist inside the ENP without regulation under the existing Conservation Regulations for the Scientific Interest Site “Playa del Matorral.”

A “Transparent and Open” Process for the El Matorral Salt Marsh

Cabildo President Lola García emphasized:

“We want this procedure to be transparent and open, because we are dealing with a natural space of enormous value for Fuerteventura and the municipality of Pájara.”

She added that “reconciling environmental conservation with an orderly, respectful use of the territory is a priority for this island government.”

In the same communiqué, Island Minister for Territorial Planning Nereida Calero explained that the minor amendment “responds to a real need to improve the protection of the natural space by preventing pedestrian traffic over sensitive zones, while also providing legal certainty to existing buildings that must regularise their status according to the law.” She stressed that “the public‑information procedure is key to gathering contributions that can improve the document before its final approval.”

Public Exposure of the Changes to the SCI Playa del Matorral

The draft will remain open for public comment until 4 May, allowing interested individuals, groups, and administrations to submit suggestions, observations, or objections concerning the two main aspects (access and building regularisation).

The announcement has been published in the Official Gazette of the Canary Islands and local newspapers. The Cabildo also provides online access to the full amendment via the following link: [Conservation Regulations amendment – official portal].

No Response Yet from Environmental Groups and Public Bodies

It is noteworthy that, in the previously published consultation phase, no responses have been recorded from consulted environmental organisations such as SEO/BirdLife, WWF‑Adena, Ben Magec, or the Fuerteventura Biosphere Reserve, despite notifications being accepted or logged on 14 February 2025.

Likewise, public entities have not yet participated—though they still have the opportunity—including the Island Water Council of Fuerteventura, the Pájara City Council, the Directorate General for Territorial Planning, the Directorate General for Climate Change, the Vice‑Council for Climate Change and Territorial Planning, and the Directorate General for Coasts of the Canary Government.

Three bodies have submitted reports: the Directorate General for Public Health, and the Cabildo’s Environmental Service and Cultural Heritage Service. The latter warned that any action in the area must include archaeological monitoring in case uncatalogued remains are uncovered.

Article by Janey Castañeyra