The Custodia del Territorio Papacría association in Lanzarote has denounced the lack of preventative measures regarding waste generation during the island’s popular festivals. Since 2022, they have submitted proposals crafted by local youth to mitigate pollution during celebrations, but these have been “systematically ignored,” according to the group.
The initiatives emerged from the educational project Basuraleza. La huella de la ignorancia, which aims to raise awareness among the public and encourage active participation to reduce the environmental impact of large events.
“Local councils continue to spend thousands of euros on clean-up efforts rather than investing in education and prevention,” Papacría points out. Recent festivals have demonstrated that the problem persists and is worsening, with litter left in streets, beaches, and protected areas, as well as uncontrolled parking in natural locations.
The association suggests that the ideas proposed by the youth involved in the Basuraleza project be incorporated into municipal policies, including specific budget allocations for preventative actions within event budgets. “Listening to young people is crucial to prevent further environmental damage and to foster awareness about the sustainability of our events,” they emphasise from Papacría.
The group reiterates its commitment to environmental education and the sustainable management of events, urging municipal authorities to act before damage occurs, rather than afterwards.
