The Minor Modifications to Conservation Norms at Playa del Matorral: A Look into Fuerteventura’s Environmental Strategy

The Cabildo de Fuerteventura recently declared the initiation of a public information period regarding a minor modification to the Conservation Norms of the Scientific Interest Site Playa del Matorral. Following approval by the Insular Government Council on February 10, 2026, this process traces its beginnings back to 2022.

About the Site: Saladar de Jandía

This protected area, part of the Natura 2000 network, is known as the Saladar de Jandía (Morro Jable, Pájara). It encompasses a coastal wetland rich in halophytic vegetation—a crucial and vibrant ecosystem. Over recent decades, urban development has progressively encircled this valuable habitat, situating it between the beach and the tourist zone of Solana Matorral.

Proposed Changes: Upgrading Access and Vegetation Management

The proposed modifications primarily aim to facilitate the installation of a new pedestrian walkway. While this development does imply some impact on the existing vegetation, the rationale provided by Cabildo highlights the necessity for orderly pedestrian transit. Currently, numerous visitors bypass designated pathways, traversing sensitive areas that require protection.

The Cabildo states that the new walkway aims to safeguard the area’s environmental attributes. By channeling visitor access through a controlled space, it can significantly minimize the environmental footprint.

Legal Regularization of Existing Structures

A significant focus of the proposed modifications involves the regularization of pre-existing buildings within the Saladar. The Cabildo’s communication emphasizes the need to address structures that currently exist out of order with the prevailing regulations. The document articulates its objective: to provide a regulatory framework for existing constructions and facilities that may not conform to the current Conservation Norms for this Natural Protected Area (NPA).

Although specific structures aren’t individually detailed in the communication, prominent installations like the Faro de Morro Jable, a public bathing area, beach shacks, public parks, and the decommissioned wastewater treatment plant are visible to visitors. In fact, the deconstruction of the old treatment plant has already received authorization from the coastal authorities.

Accountability and Transparency in the Modification Process

Cabildo President Lola García stresses the importance of keeping this process transparent and open. She notes that due respect for the natural value of the Playa del Matorral is paramount, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that accommodates environmental conservation alongside responsible land use.

Nereida Calero, the Insular Territorial Planning Counselor, further elaborates on this initiative as a necessary measure. She highlights the dual objectives of enhancing natural space protection while providing legal certainty for existing structures that require a regulated status per law.

Public Exhibition of Proposed Changes

The public exhibition of this project will run until May 4, allowing interested parties—individuals, organizations, and governmental bodies—the opportunity to submit feedback, suggestions, or objections concerning the proposed changes. The announcement about this exhibition was published in the Official Bulletin of the Canary Islands and has reached local newspapers. Additionally, interested parties can access the proposed modification details here.

Responses from Environmental Organizations

Interestingly, the latest public phase has not seen responses from various environmental organizations consulted, including SEO/BirdLife, WWF-Adena, and Ben Magec, despite these consultations being logged on February 14, 2025. Moreover, public entities such as the Insular Water Council of Fuerteventura and the Pájara Town Hall have yet to weigh in; they still have the chance to contribute.

On the other hand, three organizations have filed reports—the Directorate General of Public Health, along with the Environmental and Cultural Heritage services of the Cabildo Insular—highlighting that any intervention in the area should ensure archaeological oversight to protect potential undocumented relics in the vicinity.

This ongoing deliberation about the minor modifications to the Conservation Norms at Playa del Matorral highlights a significant step in balancing development interests with ecological preservation, fostering a meaningful relationship between the environment and local governance in Fuerteventura.