The Beautification Initiative: “Fuerteventura, Bonita por Naturaleza”
In May, the Cabildo de Fuerteventura launched the program “Fuerteventura, bonita por naturaleza,” aimed at enhancing and maintaining various infrastructures across the island. The initiative focused on upgrading roadways, tourist spaces, urban areas, hiking trails, ravines, and cultural heritage elements within several municipalities.
Areas of Focus
The program’s teams diligently worked throughout the month in key locations such as Costa Calma, El Castillo, Gran Tarajal, Tiscamanita, Betancuria, Lobos, Cofete, and Sicasumbre. The efforts included a range of activities such as cleaning, brush cutting, waste removal, palm tree pruning, trail improvements, restoration of dry stone walls, and the enhancement of public spaces.
Safety and Aesthetic Improvements
The program’s overarching aim is multifaceted. It strives not only to bolster safety and aesthetic appeal in urban and tourist locales but also to conserve the island’s traditional landscapes, waterways, hiking routes, and rural heritage. According to information shared by the Cabildo, both President Lola García and Councillor Blas Acosta highlighted the importance of proximity-focused interventions executed through Gesplan, promoting partnerships with local governments and reflecting community needs.
Costa Calma: A Clean Sweep
In Costa Calma, the collaboration between the Cabildo and the Pájara municipality culminated in a significant waste clearance effort around the FV-603 road. Teams removed over 400 cubic meters of vegetation waste and rubbish from pedestrian corridors, road edges, and public spaces. Efforts also involved cleaning and maintaining seven pedestrian safety corridors while addressing the storm drainage system beneath FV-2 to enhance pedestrian safety and improve drainage capacity during heavy rains.
El Castillo: Upgrading Infrastructure
In El Castillo, crews worked along the edges of FV-2, from the northern roundabout to the area around the Atlántico shopping center. Covering approximately 1,200 linear meters and over 2,000 square meters, the work involved brush cutting, garden maintenance, waste disposal, and cleaning up the bike lane and underground pedestrian passage. The objective was to improve safety for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians in one of Fuerteventura’s most frequented traffic sectors.
Gran Tarajal: Caring for Palm Trees
In Gran Tarajal, the program focused on the effective pruning and phytosanitary treatment of 223 date palms (Phoenix dactylifera). Coordinated with the Tuineje municipality, the operation spanned about two hectares of landscaped areas, affecting 180 trees in Félix López Park along with an additional 43 palm trees on the avenues of Constitución and Islas Canarias. The work was carried out by specialized technical personnel who ensured controlled pruning and proper waste management.
Tiscamanita: Revitalizing Community Spaces
In Tiscamanita, restoration activities concentrated on public spaces like the plaza and entrance parking lot, as well as the El Mudo ravine and surrounding slopes. Here, teams worked to restore dry stone walls, terracing, and agricultural areas while also improving the drainage of the parking area. A prominent addition was the installation of a new wooden pergola on the plaza’s stage, designed to support community events and enhance usability during daylight hours.
Betancuria: Preserving Water Courses
In the vicinity of Betancuria, collaborating with the Insular Water Council of Fuerteventura, the program saw the ongoing cleaning and brush-cutting of waterways. Since the year’s beginning, crews have tackled 14 ravines, successfully clearing out 220 cubic meters of debris and rehabilitating nearly 1,700 linear meters of dry stone walls in key locations such as Las Peñitas, La Fuente, and Manitaga.
Lobos: Trail Enhancements
For the islote de Lobos, crews focused on upgrading the trail leading to the highest point in the natural area. Using locally sourced natural stone, they improved safety for visitors while managing foot traffic to reduce the ecological footprint in this popular destination. Thus far, over 200 linear meters of trail and more than 100 square meters of adjacent areas have been improved to maintain the area’s natural character.
Cofete: Preserving Historic Structures
In Cofete, attention turned to the area surrounding the historical Casa del Arrendatario, using non-mechanical tools for cleaning and vegetation control. This approach aimed to minimize environmental impact while preserving the historical integrity of the locale, which has connections to the historic management of the Dehesa de Jandía.
Sicasumbre: Astronomical Vista Cleanup
In Sicasumbre, maintenance and cleanup activities were conducted around the astronomical viewpoint, one of the most recognizable tourist spots in the Pájara municipality. The recent efforts continue previous work done, including setting up benches, bins, and informative signage, enhancing the overall experience for visitors and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere at this scenic location.
The ongoing initiatives under “Fuerteventura, bonita por naturaleza” not only reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship and public welfare but also offer a rich tapestry of community involvement and heritage preservation for the island’s residents and visitors alike.
