A new environmental protection plan for the iconic Maspalomas Dunes has entered the public consultation phase, marking the first step towards stronger conservation measures for one of the Canary Islands’ most recognisable natural landmarks.

The Gran Canaria Cabildo has launched a consultation on a new Natural Resources Management Plan (known in Spanish as a PORN – Plan de Ordenación de los Recursos Naturales) for the Maspalomas Dunes area.

Residents, businesses and environmental groups have until 12th July to submit their views through the island's transparency portal.

While the acronym has attracted some amused reactions online, the plan itself represents a significant development for the future management of the protected dune system, which faces increasing pressure from tourism, urban development and climate change.

Protecting a Unique Ecosystem

The proposed plan is being developed under Spain’s Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Law and aims to establish a detailed legal framework for the conservation of the dune reserve.

Its primary objective is to define the boundaries, environmental classifications and management rules for the area while clarifying how the protected landscape interacts with surrounding urban developments and tourism infrastructure.

Once approved, the plan will strengthen the legal protection of the Maspalomas Special Nature Reserve and provide the foundation for future management policies.

Balancing Tourism and Conservation

The Maspalomas Dunes are among the most visited natural attractions in the Canary Islands and form a key part of Gran Canaria’s international tourism appeal.

However, environmental experts have long warned that the dune system is suffering from ongoing erosion and sand loss, partly due to urban development built around the reserve and the constant movement of visitors through sensitive areas.

The new management plan is expected to introduce stricter regulations on land use around the reserve and could influence how nearby hotels, businesses and leisure facilities operate in the future.

Potential measures may include:

• Designated visitor access routes and authorised walking paths.
• Protected exclusion zones to safeguard vulnerable habitats.
• Enhanced ecological restoration projects.
• Possible relocation or modification of infrastructure that interferes with natural wind patterns and sand movement.

Public Consultation Underway

The consultation process has already generated interest from local residents, environmental organisations and tourism businesses in the nearby resort areas of Playa del Inglés and Meloneras.

Island authorities say the plan is intended to create a long-term balance between protecting one of Gran Canaria’s most valuable natural environments and maintaining the economic activity generated by tourism.

If approved, the framework will later support the development of a more detailed management document, known as the Director Plan for the Maspalomas Dunes, which will set out the specific conservation measures and operational rules for the reserve.

For both residents and visitors, the future of the Maspalomas Dunes will be closely watched as Gran Canaria seeks to preserve one of its most treasured landscapes while ensuring it remains accessible for generations to come.