Civil Guard steps up surveillance in Fuerteventura’s protected natural areas

The Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) of the Civil Guard’s Las Palmas Command has filed a total of 109 administrative offence reports during the summer season, as part of operations to safeguard protected areas on the island of Fuerteventura.

The operations, aimed at preventing antisocial behaviour and ensuring compliance with current environmental legislation, have increased officers’ presence in areas of particular ecological value and the island’s natural parks. Most of the offences were recorded in the protected natural area of Islote de Lobos and Jandía Natural Park.

In their review of the operations, officers identified unauthorised camping and overnight stays in protected natural areas, as well as motor vehicles travelling outside designated routes, as the main offences. They also recorded cases of fires being lit and unauthorised dumping, along with the use of drones in specially protected areas.

Offences related to recreational fishing and shellfish gathering were also detected, as were cases of unauthorised occupation of, or dumping within, the public maritime-terrestrial domain and its associated easement zones.

All administrative offence reports filed have been sent to the competent administrative authorities to initiate proceedings to impose the relevant penalties.

The proposed fines range from €300 to €600,000, depending on the severity of the offence under the applicable regulations.

Commitment to environmental sustainability

The Civil Guard reminds the public that the island’s natural heritage is a fragile ecosystem requiring the active cooperation of residents and visitors. The increase in inspections aims to raise awareness of the importance of knowing the rules for each area and enjoying the natural environment responsibly and sustainably.