Territorial Policy and Fuerteventura Council Tighten Control of Unauthorized Rural Installations
The Government of the Canary Islands, the Fuerteventura Island Council, and the six municipalities on the island have intensified institutional coordination to curb the spread of unauthorized installations on rural land—a problem that threatens natural values, territorial planning, and the island’s biodiversity.
Joint Working Meeting
The Regional Minister of Territorial Policy, Cohesion and Water, Manuel Miranda, and the President of the Fuerteventura Island Council, Lola García, held a working meeting with representatives from the Civil Guard, local police, and environmental agents. The aim was to reinforce surveillance and joint actions across the entire island.
Scope of the Problem
The meeting is part of an action plan driven by the Island Council in collaboration with the Regional Ministry, the Canary Islands Agency for Natural Environment Protection (ACPMN), and the municipalities. It responds to a rise in structures such as:
- caravans
- maritime containers
- prefabricated houses
- other unapproved constructions erected on rural land
Statements from Leaders
“Joint coordination among local police, environmental agents, SEPRONA and other institutions is key to stopping the invasion we are suffering on our rural land, which lacks legal basis and alters the natural singularities of our island and the traditional uses of these soils,” said Lola García. She also called on citizens to recognize that such actions can constitute serious infractions.
Manuel Miranda emphasized the importance of education and social awareness about preserving the territory. He warned that, beyond administrative penalties, certain behaviours may constitute crimes under the Penal Code.
Participants
The meeting also included:
- Montserrat Ortega, Director of the ACPMN
- The Colonel‑Chief of the Las Palmas Command
- Mayors and municipal representatives from across the island
Information Campaign and Legal Framework
Parallel to the meeting, the Island Council has launched an information campaign reminding the public of the prohibitions on rural land and the legal consequences of non‑compliance, in line with the Canary Islands Land and Protected Natural Spaces Law, which provides for fines up to €150,000. Unauthorized constructions may also be addressed under the Organic Penal Code.
Enforcement Approach
In the first phase, authorities prioritize the voluntary removal of illegal installations by the offenders. If this does not occur, a formal complaint is filed and a sanctioning procedure is opened.
Commitment to Protection
Through this coordinated plan, the institutions reaffirm their commitment to protecting the territory and defending Fuerteventura’s landscape against irregular uses that jeopardize its sustainability.