18 people fined as new patrol begins at Maspalomas Dunes
The Gran Canaria Cabildo has been working together with the Guardia Civil’s environmental unit (Seprona) and the San Bartolomé de Tirajana Council to launch a major operation to protect the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve.
On its very first day this week (Tuesday), the operation intervened with 75 people, mostly holidaymakers, who had entered prohibited areas, guiding them back to authorised walkways.
In addition, 18 fines were issued: 15 to visitors (including two residents, four Spanish nationals, and several foreign tourists), one to a photography company operating without permission, and two to drone owners flying illegally in the protected area.
The coordinated patrol involved 15 agents from the Guardia Civil, the Cabildo’s Environmental Department, and the local police, who used quads, motorbikes, and drones to monitor the reserve. The island’s environment councillor, Raúl García Brink, praised the teamwork, saying that afternoon patrols will now be repeated regularly, as this is when visitor numbers peak.
He also confirmed that new signs, cameras, and sensors will be installed to improve control of the area. “We hope that next year we’ll have all the tools in place to put an end to these behaviours in the protected dunes,” he said.
The Cabildo president, Antonio Morales, highlighted the progress made in recent years under the Masdunas I and Masdunas II scientific projects, which have restored much of the dune system, reduced sand loss, and supported native plants and wildlife. He noted that while far fewer people enter the dunes illegally today compared to a decade ago, the problem has not disappeared.
To strengthen protection, the Cabildo has added eight new environmental officers and continues to coordinate with state and local authorities. Morales also called on hotels to play a greater role by informing guests about the importance of respecting the dunes.
The Maspalomas Dunes are one of Gran Canaria’s most valuable natural treasures and a vital nesting site for birds. Recognised under both national and regional protection laws, the reserve faces constant pressure from human activity, making conservation and awareness campaigns essential to preserving this unique landscape for future generations.
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