Local authorities in the Canary Islands have had enough of tourists bringing sand and stones from the archipelago. According to Environment Minister Samuel Martín, as much as one ton of natural material, such as sand and stone, disappears from the island of Lanzarote every year, writes the Canarian Weekly website.
On the island of Fuerteventura, the situation is at least as bad. According to estimates from the authorities, around one tonne of natural material disappears from the beaches every month.
Among other things, it has become popular to help yourself to the unique sand on the “popcorn beach”, despite clear warnings that it is not allowed.
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It causes permanent damage to the ecosystem.
Risks high fines
Much of what the tourists take with them is seized at the airports on departure, but the Canarian Weekly writes that the tourists are not punished because it cannot be proven that the stones and sand originate from the beaches in question.
At the same time, it is easier with the unique popcorn sand found on Fuerteventura. If you are caught stealing sand from here, you risk fines from 150 euros, just under NOK 1,700, and up to 3,000 euros, just under NOK 34,000 at today’s exchange rate, depending on the severity.
Visit Fuerteventura explains that it is indeed not sand, but white coral:
– They are the result of mixing and erosion of calcareous algae with the white sand on the beach. They are called rhodolites. The unique shape takes at least 50 years to create, writes the tourist website.
With the high fines, the authorities hope to crack down on tourists taking sand and stones from the beaches.
Steals sand
It is not only on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura that tourists try to steal sand and stones on their trip. This summer we wrote that it has become a big problem that tourists in Sardinia in Italy leave a lot of rubbish on the beaches and steal sand with them.
In an attempt to limit the environmental impact of the large influx of tourists, local authorities have introduced a maximum limit on how many visitors the popular beaches can have in a day, and this year further restrictions are being implemented.
2023-12-28 13:03:35
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