Once again, this heritage association expresses its dismay at a further assault on the natural and historical heritage of Fuerteventura. The situation is all the more regrettable because it is the Cabildo of our island itself that has acted without any criteria for environmental or heritage protection, resulting in serious consequences for the natural space and historical environment of the Barranco de La Herradura. El Efequén reports the actions in the Barranco de La Herradura to the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office
This ravine, in its middle section, hosts significant archaeological sites that have been affected by the machinery of the Cabildo. Such sites are documented in the archaeological map. To date, awaiting the outcome of the complaint that will be filed, it is known that a shell mound and various surface materials have been impacted.
A population of Canary Island sea rosemary, a protected species that is becoming increasingly rare on our island, has also been harmed. Additionally, the cane thicket and all flora in the area, which provided habitat for local fauna, have been destroyed.
It is worth noting that this ravine is frequented by various bird species, some of which enjoy special protection. Kestrels, buzzards, stonechats, majorera owls, wagtails, tagorote falcons, guirres, and many other species live, nest, hunt, or feed in this ravine, which the Cabildo has decided to partially destroy without any environmental assessment.
This association is also aware of the disappearance of centennial fig trees and vineyards due to the actions of heavy machinery, as well as the impact on private properties.
El Efequén considers the violation of legally mandated special protection for the intervened area to be extremely serious and possibly criminal. In this regard, two significant regulatory infringements are evident:
1.- Two figures of protection outlined in the recently approved Catalogue of Heritage Assets of the Puerto del Rosario City Council were affected: those related to archaeological heritage (entries 016 and 017 in the catalogue) and natural heritage within the scope of wildlife interest (entry AIF-06 in the catalogue).
2.- The heritage assault occurred in early July, while the Cabildo itself had closed access to the ravine (from 15 February to 31 July) due to it being a nesting area for protected birds. In fact, several signs from the Cabildo’s Department of Environment—located in the affected area—state this prohibition.
El Efequén, in its complaint to the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office, will request an investigation into the actions taken before and after the assault by the Departments of Heritage and Environment of the Cabildo, the Puerto del Rosario City Council, and the Island Water Council, the latter being responsible for granting the permit that led to this grave violation of our heritage. Furthermore, we demand the dismissal of the manager of the Island Water Council and the Environment Councillor of the Cabildo.
In conclusion, El Efequén deeply regrets that it is precisely the island institution, which should set an example in respecting our territory and history, that has carried out such a serious act. We question what measures would have been taken by the Cabildo had similar actions been performed by private citizens. Will the Cabildo be able to sanction itself? Will the Puerto del Rosario City Council report the Cabildo for destroying this newly catalogued protected heritage?
El Efequén reports the actions in the Barranco de La Herradura to the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office
