The measure responds to technical and environmental reports warning of the effects of these practices on the landscape, ecosystems, traditional paths, and elements of Lanzarote's cultural heritage. The objective is to protect the natural and heritage values of a limited and fragile territory.
This action follows up on a prior public consultation opened in October to gather opinions from citizens and affected sectors. The majority of the allegations received were against these practices, which cause impacts such as soil compaction and erosion, loss of fertile land, disturbance to fauna, and noise pollution.
The President of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, emphasized the institution's responsibility to act upon reports alerting to impacts that could compromise the island's conservation. For his part, the Minister of Territorial Policy, Jesús Machín Tavío, stated that the Administration must act with prudence and responsibility to prevent these impacts from continuing.
The absence of an island-wide network of specifically authorized routes has facilitated the circulation of these vehicles on agricultural paths and areas of environmental value. The Cabildo is considering the development of a Provisional Insular Ordinance to establish homogeneous criteria while the new Insular Planning Plan is processed.
