TARIFA and Malaga have been named and shamed among ten Andalucian beaches and coastal zones awarded a ‘Black Flag’ in this year’s damning report by Ecologistas en Acción.
The report published last week accused authorities of allowing significant environmental damage along coastal stretches through unchecked growth, pollution and poor management.
In Tarifa ecologists have highlighted that multiple urban development plans in the area have been a cumulative threat, as they have removed the natural barrier between Zahara & Atlanterra. This is a major ecological risk to one of the province of Cadiz’s most treasured natural coastlines.
Malaga has also issued a Black Flag over the proliferation and development of luxury marinas. Environmentalists claim that these developments are putting nearby marine ecosystems and beaches at risk.
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Due to increasing levels of microplastics coming from wastewater treatment facilities, which are then consumed by fish and other animals in the area, the biodiversity in coastal waters is at risk.
This report highlights ten sites, five for pollution, and five for environmental mismanagement.
The Ría de Huelva estuary was blacklisted due to contamination linked to hydrogen-related industrial projects, while the beach at La Antilla in Lepe was flagged for overdevelopment, which campaigners say is preventing natural regeneration and could leave buildings vulnerable during storms and high tides.
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On the Granada coast, the Guadalfeo river delta in Motril and Salobreña was cited for past sewage discharges so severe that the beaches were closed to swimmers in 2023.
A second Black Flag was also awarded to the province for constructions that were not in accordance with the scenic coastal path.
Almeria wasn’t spared. In Roquetas de Mar there were microplastics found in Natura 2000 protected areas, and the beaches at Vera were flagged for urban plans that could pose a danger to local habitats.
According to Ecologistas en AcciónThe 48 Black Flags raised in Spain are equally divided between pollution, and environmental mismanagement. The group has warned that the authorities of coastal areas continue to place profit before long-term ecological health.