Fuerteventura’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism: ‘Fuerte por Naturaleza’
Fuerteventura, part of Spain’s beautiful Canary Islands, is stepping into the future with a strong commitment to sustainable tourism. Recently, the Cabildo de Fuerteventura—its governing body—shared exciting results from their innovative Plan de Sostenibilidad Turística en Destino (PSTD), aptly named Fuerte por Naturaleza. This program, spearheaded by the Consejería de Turismo, aims to enhance the island’s sustainability, digitalization, energy efficiency, and overall tourist competitiveness.
A Significant Investment in Sustainability
During a presentation at the Mirador Hotel in Puerto del Rosario, prominent figures including Cabildo President Lola García and Tourism Minister Marlene Figueroa unveiled the impressive outcomes of this initiative. The funding for the plan exceeded nine million euros, courtesy of European Union Next Generation funds. Remarkably, close to 95% of this project has been executed, demonstrating an effective allocation of resources to promote eco-friendly tourism practices.
Engaging with the Community
One of the key facets of the PSTD is its focus on community engagement. The initiative incorporates a communication campaign aimed at both the general public and tourism professionals. This outreach is designed to ensure that the sustainability measures taken are not only executed but also understood and appreciated by the island’s residents and visitors alike.
Vision for the Future
President Lola García articulated her vision for Fuerteventura: a place that grows in quality while safeguarding its rich natural and cultural heritage. “We want a Fuerteventura that thrives while ensuring our beautiful environment is preserved,” she said. This sentiment highlights the island’s dedication to cultivating a tourism model that elevates both quality of experience and quality of life for its community.
Leadership in Sustainable Development
Marlene Figueroa emphasized Fuerteventura’s leading role among the Canary Islands in the execution of sustainability funds. Over the last three years, numerous projects have sprung up across the island, focusing on improving tourist areas with innovative solutions while fortifying a framework to tackle future challenges.
Strategic Framework: Four Pillars
The Fuerte por Naturaleza initiative operates under four strategic pillars set by the Tourism Sustainability Strategy: green and sustainable transition, energy efficiency, digital transition, and competitiveness. Each municipality on the island has seen tailored projects that reflect these priorities.
Municipal Success Stories
La Oliva
In La Oliva, projects have concentrated on restoring and promoting the island’s historical and scenic resources. Significant efforts include the rehabilitation of the Torre de El Tostón, improvements to the protected areas of Vallebrón, and upgrades to the Casa del Coronel market—integral parts of the town’s cultural identity.
Puerto del Rosario
The capital, Puerto del Rosario, benefitted from initiatives aimed at revitalizing key areas. Notable improvements include enhancing energy efficiency at the Patronato de Turismo, upgrades along the Avenida Marítima, and the restoration of the iconic El Pescador mural, a beloved feature on the waterfront.
Pájara
In Pájara, attention has been given to energy-efficient solutions like the installation of Starlight photovoltaic lighting in Cofete, alongside enhancements targeting accessibility and smart management of tourist resources.
Tuineje
The coastal community of Tarajalejo in Tuineje has seen beautification efforts thrive, alongside initiatives promoting local products and sustainable practices, reinforcing the link between tourism and the local economy.
Betancuria
Betancuria spotlighted its natural beauty with environmental improvements around Morro Velosa, a top tourist attraction that showcases the island’s scenic landscape.
Antigua
Antigua’s projects focused on improving tourist competitiveness, with significant upgrades in beach accessibility, digital resources, and other community facilities, creating a more inclusive and high-quality tourism model.
Island-Wide Impact
The PSTD also features island-wide initiatives including creating shaded public areas, refining waste collection systems on beaches, installing photovoltaic canopies, and implementing new technologies aimed at enhancing tourist sustainability and accessibility.
Fuerteventura’s Fuerte por Naturaleza program encapsulates a holistic approach to sustainable tourism, balancing the needs of visitors with those of the local community and environment. As the island continues to embrace these transformative strategies, it stands as a testament to the power of collective action in safeguarding our planet for future generations.
