This strategic plan seeks to protect approximately 404 hectares located on an alluvial plain at the southern tip of Gran Canaria, within the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The area borders the tourist urbanizations of Playa del Inglés and Campo de Golf to the north, El Oasis and Campo Internacional to the west, and the beaches of El Inglés and Maspalomas, stretching 6 kilometers, to the south and east.
The Natural Reserve encompasses distinctive elements such as the Dune Field, the Maspalomas Pond, the Oasis Palm Grove, and Tony Gallardo Park. The Dune Field, a dynamic habitat, is crucial for biodiversity and acts as a natural barrier against coastal erosion and the effects of climate change. The Maspalomas Pond, a brackish lagoon, is a vital nesting site for native birds and a refuge for migratory species, while the Oasis Palm Grove represents an ecosystem of palm and tamarisk trees.
“"The Maspalomas Dunes Special Natural Reserve is an emblematic and identifying place of Gran Canaria and, therefore, must have a planning instrument that allows for its greater protection, while also being compatible with the uses that may occur within it."
Councillor Inés Miranda emphasized the importance of preserving this area, which harbors unique biodiversity and offers natural protection. She acknowledged that human activities, such as tourism and urbanization, have significantly impacted the reserve. The plan aims to reconcile these uses with the conservation of the enclave's natural values.
The Maspalomas Dunes Natural Resources Management Plan will delineate and categorize this space, identifying its most valuable elements, establishing conservation criteria, and defining measures for activities compatible with its protection. The ultimate goal is to enhance the value of the enclave and prevent further erosion caused by construction or anthropization, solidifying Gran Canaria's position on the global map of tourism and sustainable development.
