PSOE Denounces Destruction of Matas Verdes Dunes by Estepona Town Hall
The Socialist Party is considering filing an environmental crime complaint after the suspension of works in the protected area.
The PSOE of Estepona has publicly denounced the partial destruction of the Matas Verdes Dunes by the Town Hall after confirming serious environmental breaches in the coastal path project. Andalusian environmental agents ordered the suspension of works due to the lack of proper permits and the failure to protect this unique natural space.
The PSOE of Estepona has launched a strong critique against the Town Hall for what they consider environmental destruction at the Matas Verdes Dunes, a protected natural space. The denunciation comes after an inspection carried out on July 1 by agents from the Department of Environment, who confirmed several breaches in the execution of the coastal path works, one of the main infrastructure projects connecting Estepona’s coastline.
Breaches and detected damage
The Andalusian Delegation of the Environment, responsible for protecting the area, confirmed that the works were carried out under an expired authorization for over two years, raising serious concerns about the environmental impact of the project. Among the main violations are:
Partial destruction of a primary dune, a unique and protected ecosystem.
Removal of native vegetation, including legally protected species.
Lack of measures to prevent uncontrolled passage through the area.
Failure to remove the sewage collector, a measure that should have been implemented according to previous technical reports.
These actions violate both the requirements set by the Delegation of Environment and the technical reports prepared by the Coastal Demarcation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition.
Suspension of works and potential consequences
Due to the detected damage, environmental agents have ordered the immediate suspension of works and demanded that the Town Hall process a new authorization to continue. Additionally, a restoration plan must be created to repair the damage caused, under the supervision of the Andalusian Regional Government.
Emma Molina, spokesperson for PSOE in Estepona, expressed her anger at the Town Hall’s lack of responsibility. “The Town Hall should be the first to protect our dunes, not destroy them. They act without control and without respecting the environment or the law,” said the councilwoman.
Environmental crime complaint
PSOE has submitted the case to their Legal Advisory Team, which is reviewing the facts to determine if there are grounds for an environmental crime complaint. Should violations be confirmed, the Socialist Party will file a complaint against the Estepona Town Hall for executing the coastal path in a protected area.
Molina stated that this is not a "technical error" but a "disregard for the natural heritage" of Estepona residents. Furthermore, the spokesperson reminded that the PSOE had warned from the beginning about the need to explore alternatives with a lower environmental impact. In fact, one of the proposals from local landowners, which suggested a solution with less impact, was rejected by the Town Hall without any explanation.
The Matas Verdes Dunes represent not only a natural attraction on the Costa del Sol but also an important ecological heritage that must be preserved. Both local residents and visitors have expressed concerns about the damage the project could cause to this protected space. For residents and local business owners, respecting the environment is key to maintaining quality of life and the municipality's tourism image.
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As PSOE continues its legal evaluation of the case, Estepona residents and the general community remain attentive to the next steps the Town Hall will take regarding the restoration of the dunes and the possible resumption of works. The situation highlights the need for a balance between urban development and the protection of the municipality's natural heritage.
The Estepona Town Hall must now decide how to rectify this situation to avoid further legal conflict and restore community trust in its ability to manage the municipality's natural resources sustainably.