Authorities crack down on illegal structures popping up on rural land in Fuerteventura
The Canary Islands Government, the Fuerteventura Cabildo, and all six local councils on the island have held a joint meeting to tighten controls on the rapid spread of unauthorised buildings and installations on protected rural land.
The move comes amid growing concern that caravans, shipping containers, prefabricated homes and other makeshift structures are breaching planning rules, damaging Fuerteventura’s natural landscapes, and putting local biodiversity at risk.
The meeting forms part of a wider action plan involving the regional Department of Territorial Policy, the Agencia Canaria de Protección del Medio Natural, and municipal authorities. Representatives from the Local Police, the Guardia Civil, and Cabildo environmental officers also took part and confirmed that surveillance across the island is now being stepped up.
Cabildo president Lola García said coordinated action is vital to stop the growing problem: “Working together with Local Police, environmental agents, Seprona and other bodies is essential to halt the invasion we’re seeing on our rural land. These structures are illegal and harm the island’s natural identity. People need to understand that these are serious offences.”
Regional councillor Manuel Miranda added that many residents may not realise the legal consequences: “We need to keep educating the public. Beyond administrative fines, many of these cases involve criminal offences.”
Alongside stricter enforcement, the Cabildo has launched an information campaign reminding residents that unauthorised developments on rural land can lead to fines of up to €150,000 under the Canary Islands’ land and protected areas law. Some cases may also fall under the Spanish Penal Code, meaning offenders could face criminal charges, with much bigger penalties.
Authorities are initially encouraging landowners to remove illegal structures voluntarily. If they refuse, formal complaints and legal action will follow.
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