Greenpeace Report Warns of Coastal Crisis in Canary Islands
Greenpeace has issued a stark warning regarding the Canary Islands’ coastline, revealing that the region is losing four kilometres of natural coast each year due to concrete development and rising sea levels. The environmental group’s report, Destrucción a Toda Costa 2026, highlights a looming crisis, with projections suggesting ocean levels could rise nearly one metre by the century’s end, putting approximately 150 kilometres of coast at significant risk.
The group notes that legislative attacks on the Coastal Law are ongoing in nearly every Spanish autonomous community, including the Canaries. This comes amid concerns that many political parties are either unaware or unwilling to acknowledge the deadly impacts of climate change already being felt. Maria José Caballero, head of Greenpeace’s Coastal Campaign, stated, “Those who see the Coastal Law as a death sentence for municipalities must understand that the true sentence was signed the day we mistakenly decided that concrete was stronger than the waves.”
Human activity is cited as a primary culprit, as it contributes to the destruction of four kilometres of natural coast yearly. The report points to problematic projects like the Cuna del Alma in Adeje, currently under judicial investigation for encroaching on protected areas, alongside protests against La Tejita hotel, which threatens protected dunes, and an order for the demolition of the Oliva Beach hotel in Fuerteventura.
Recent storms, such as extratropical cyclone Therese, have damaged the coastline, costing around eight million euros and devastating natural pools in La Laguna. The heavy rains led to mass sewage discharges, further harming marine biodiversity.
Greenpeace’s report also criticises the Underwater Gardens project in Tenerife as a misleading attempt at greenwashing that threatens a protected area. In a positive development, the potential annulment of an Insular Interest Declaration for this project has been welcomed by the organisation.
Meanwhile, northern Lanzarote’s marine reserve is experiencing a decline in fish biomass, exacerbated by climate change and shifting currents. Species like the parrotfish are expanding, while vital macroalgae species are suffering. Greenpeace applauded the decision by the Gran Canaria Cabildo to halt a large sea bass farm project in La Aldea to support sustainable fishing.
Amid ongoing threats, the group pointed to damaging earthworks at Veneguera beach, linked to Lopesan, awaiting sanction from the Coastal Authority. They advocate for strategic withdrawal from vulnerable infrastructures, highlighting successful initiatives such as the natural regeneration of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s coastal area.
Caballero concluded, “The Canary coast faces a climate crisis that is increasingly evident. The administration must confront this reality to safeguard its coastal wealth.” Greenpeace emphasizes the need for adaptive coastal management that prioritises nature restoration over concrete solutions, stops building in flood-prone areas, and encourages strategic withdrawal from exposed infrastructures.
