On Saturday, Arrecife launched the ‘Gritos del Azul’ exhibition along the new pedestrian walkway by El Reducto beach. This exhibition features large banners showcasing the natural beauty surrounding the Arrecife coastline as well as the waste that reaches the sea due to a lack of civic responsibility, including plastics and cigarette butts washed up on the shores.

Coinciding with World Beach Day, which is celebrated on Saturday, 21 September, the Departments of Environment and Beaches, led by Councillor Davinia Déniz, inaugurated the exhibition. A selection of photographs curated by environmental technician Cristina Camacho aims to raise awareness among residents and visitors about the importance of keeping the beaches clean and encourages people to participate in the collection of cigarette butts from the sand.

The Arrecife Town Hall will maintain this exhibition at the El Reducto promenade until the end of next week, which also aligns with World Tourism Day. During this period, children and volunteers will engage in awareness activities.

The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of its creator, Cristina Camacho, Councillor for Beaches and Environment Davinia Déniz, and Councillor for Security and Emergencies Kevin Cortés. The Mayor of Arrecife was unable to attend the event this morning as he is in Tenerife for a meeting of the Canary Islands People’s Party, of which he is a member.

World Beach Day has been observed globally since 1986, a date selected by the Marine Conservation Centre in the United States to highlight the importance of protecting and maintaining these spaces for public enjoyment.

Awareness and Recycling Workshops

As part of the various initiatives launched by Councillor Davinia Déniz’s departments, children enjoyed bouncy castles on El Reducto beach today as a ‘reward’ for their families’ cooperation in the awareness campaign aimed at removing cigarette butts and preventing plastic waste from polluting the shoreline.

Technician Álvaro Guzmán conducted workshops focusing on environmental awareness, including the creation of artistic pins from collected mini plastics and repurposed materials. Additionally, a mural is currently being created, set to be unveiled soon as part of a plan launched today by the Arrecife Town Hall, involving a community group dedicated to cleaning coastal debris and microplastics.

El Reducto: One of Only Two Blue Flag Beaches in Lanzarote

The Town Hall announced this initiative on Saturday, coinciding with the El Reducto beach, whose promenade has recently undergone improvements as part of Arrecife’s urban renewal. This beach is one of only two in Lanzarote to fly the prestigious Blue Flag award, recognising environmental excellence.

Officials remind the public that a series of improvement works are underway at various beaches and coastal areas, with collaborative efforts from the Departments of Works and Beaches to enhance accessibility, provide new public services, and enhance the overall maritime front of Lanzarote. Arrecife is the only municipality in Lanzarote where the entire promenade is pedestrianised or semi-pedestrianised, allowing residents to enjoy leisurely walks with a view of the sea.