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The draft plan is currently undergoing internal review and is awaiting input from the island’s municipalities and political parties. The councilor also discussed the Territorial Energy Plan, urged the adoption of a national law to curb rare‑earth extraction, and praised the resurgence of Majorero cinema and the Film Commission’s role in safeguarding productions.
The island’s councilor for Territorial Planning and head of the Fuerteventura Film Commission, Nereida Calero, presented the new Island Territorial Planning Plan (PIOF‑PORN). In an interview on Thursday’s “La Voz de Fuerteventura” radio program, she explained that the draft document, prepared by Rafael Castellano’s team, has already been delivered and reviewed internally.
“It is in the house and ready to be taken to the plenary once all contributions are incorporated,” Calero said.
The drafting team has outlined several development scenarios for the island, ranging from full growth to a “zero‑alternative” that would leave the current plan unchanged and merely adapt it to existing regulations.
Calero warned that the “zero‑alternative” would be “absurd” for Fuerteventura, because “if we did nothing today and simply adapted the current PIOF to the regulations, the island would end up with almost four times its current population.”
Technical calculations indicate that the island’s 120,000 residents would swell to 400,000, with an equivalent number of tourist beds— not even counting short‑term vacation rentals—creating an unsustainable scenario.
“That’s why we talk about cutting back. We don’t want a saturated island; we want an island that can grow sensibly and within limits.”
Calero emphasized that no one wants an overcrowded island and that there is consensus among the municipalities to curb unchecked growth. The challenge now lies in defining the zones to limit, in line with the broader territorial plans each council is advancing.
In any case, Nereida Calero dismisses the possibility that the draft, after incorporating all contributions, will be put to a vote in the ordinary plenary session this October.
No “hand‑picked” zones
Calero also addressed the Territorial Energy Plan, which has been in preparation since early this year. The text is currently with the Cabildo’s environmental body, now under the Presidency, and is being examined by GESPLAN, awaiting internal reports.
Meanwhile, the Cabildo has recently halted the Majorero Photovoltaic Park 1 project at the entrance to Gran Tarajal, “because the reports were conclusive.” The area is flood‑prone, and the gullies have cultural and environmental value.
“We cannot allow those soils to be contaminated,” she stressed.
Regarding relations with the Canary Islands Government, Calero described them as “cordial and proper,” but she distanced herself from the regional Minister of Ecological Transition, Mariano Zapata.
“From the start I told them that Fuerteventura is neither in emergency nor in urgency. We will not paint zones by hand, neither to benefit nor to disadvantage anyone,” she concluded.
“We need to change the national law to prevent rare‑earth mining”
On the rare‑earth extraction project, Calero confirmed that “the Canary Islands Government’s procedure remains open.” She warned that the current legal framework is weak, noting that the Mining Law of 1973—still in force—needs to be updated.
“We must amend it to provide security and protect Fuerteventura from rare‑earth extraction. The law now says you have permission wherever the resource is, regardless of soil protection,” she said.
The film industry revs up… and Domingo “El Colorao” becomes a shepherd’s doctor
As head of the Film Commission, Calero celebrated that 2024 was a recovery year for the audiovisual sector.
“When we arrived, producers were hesitant because two major shoots had been lost due to permit issues,” she recalled.
She explained that improved coordination among administrations has restored producers’ confidence.
“Now things happen on time and work is carried out safely. We have strengthened the Film Commission to guarantee producers’ confidence,” Calero said.
Currently, two films are being shot on the island—“Mal nombre” and “El exterior.” Three more productions are in talks for 2026: two national and one international.
Calero also highlighted the first short‑film festival organized by the Film Commission, running until 14 November, with the theme “La Virgen de La Peña.”
“It can be horror, drama, documentary, adventure—any genre the creators choose,” she explained. Submissions are accepted until 14 November through Árida Films, the company of Majorero director Adrián Tejero, who will serve as juror.
She praised local talent, citing director María Sanz and her project that casts Domingo “El Colorao” as the protagonist of “El médico de los corderos,” based on a text by Jesús Giráldez.
“María is a champion, very hardworking. She’s been close to giving up many times, but she will finish her feature film… and it will be beautiful,” Calero affirmed.