, tThe Andalusian coastline, in spite of the natural jewels that bathe its shores the total number of black flag beaches will be 10 by 2024. Ecologists in Action has awarded this penalty to both beaches, in light of this year’s report.
In total, 48 Spanish beaches are affected by this sanction due to chemical contamination, dumping, marine debris or impacts on biodiversity. On the other hand, the NGO emphasizes the massive urbanization and poor tourism management that are impacting the Andalusian coast.
In short, environmental problems of various kinds that affect the environment of these black flag beaches in 2024, ten of which are Andalusian.
1. El Portil and Huelva Estuary
Illegal occupation in the surroundings of La Antilla prevents sand flows and the natural formation of dune fronts, leaving it unprotected from storms”.
Likewise, the Huelva Estuary is going through a complicated moment due to industrial discharges and the accumulation of hazardous waste that are affecting protected natural areas such as the Marismas del Odiel Natural Park and the Tinto River Estuary.
The construction of breakwaters in El Portil in order to redirect the impact of tides and storms causes the loss of its natural characteristics.
2. Tarifa and Trafalgar Coast in Cádiz
The Special Plan for the Protection of the Andalusian Coastline points out the effects of the urban transformation that Tarifa is undergoing. The main consequence, the destruction of its important dune systems and that they are “of great importance for the conservation of the beach”.
On the other hand, the Trafalgar Coast will also fly this distinctive. And there are numerous aggressions suffered by this strip: from the excessive hotel and urban development projects or the lack of water purification.
3. Black flag in Malaga
Light pollution is one of the main issues affecting the Málaga Coastal Path. Specifically, the Gran Senda project covers 180 kilometers of the province, from Manilva to Nerja, with the incorporation of bridges and walkways and an excess of lighting “that causes the denaturalization of the coastline and its possible environmental impact”, visual and for nocturnal wildlife. To all this must be added the negligence in the concession of hotel establishments along the coast of Malaga.
4. Castell de Ferro, Granada beach and Poniente beach
In the province of Granada, the Castell de Ferro, Playa de Granada and Poniente beaches are the main areas of concern.
Specifically, it repeats the issue of wastewater discharges on the Poniente beach as well as the recurrent discharges from the urbanizations of Playa Granada.
The authorization for the construction of a 300 square meter concrete beach bar in the Castell de Ferro bio-healthy park is another of the big issues of 2024.
5. Almeria: El Lancón (Carboneras) and the beach of Quitapellujos-Palomares
Several beaches in Almeria have acquired this sign because of large quantities of radioactive particles of plutonium and americium in Palomares and the authorization of a beach bar in Carboneras without complying with the environmental assessment criteria.