Marbella Beach Association Protests Against Sand Removal
The Espigones Emergidos Para Marbella association convened at El Cable beach on Wednesday, 12 February, to voice their concerns over the detrimental effects of sand removal operations on the coastline. Miguel Lima, the association’s president, highlighted the severe damage in Cabopino and El Cable, with the latter beach now stripped bare and strewn with stones. He lamented the loss of a once enjoyable beach for adults and children, now rendered impassable due to the removal works.
Residents and Hotels Disturbed by Sand Removal Operations
The association reported that residents near La Fontanilla beach are also disgruntled with the sand removal methods. Since the end of January, the constant movement of lorries from 8am to 6pm has caused significant disturbance to residents and hotels. The situation is further exacerbated by the absence of signage indicating the start and end of the works, and the lack of a budget.
Criticism Over Timing of Sand Removal Works
Espigones Emergidos also questioned the timing of the operations, arguing that conducting such works during winter is illogical as storms can easily wash away the sand. Lima suggested that the works should be carried out later in the year, as previous experiences have shown that it only takes a few days in March and April. He also pointed out that if breakwaters were already in place, these operations would be unnecessary.
Previous Complaints About Marbella Coastline
This is not the first time that residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the state of Marbella’s coastline. Last year, the delivery of reddish, mud-like sand to San Pedro Alcántara sparked outrage among residents. As previously stated by associations and hospitality industry professionals, the diminishing beach area is a major issue, affecting both tourists and the industry.
Protests and Demands for Coastal Infrastructure
The Asociación de Espigones Emergidos Para Marbella announced plans to demand the development of infrastructure to stabilize the coastline, with protests planned at the government office in Malaga. Lima emphasized the need for protests against the current ineffective solutions, and to pressure authorities into taking concrete measures for sustainable coastal resource management and a quality environment for residents and visitors.
Urgent Call for Action and Collaboration
Lima made an urgent call for action, dialogue, and collaboration among all parties involved. He revealed that they have been awaiting a response from the Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco) since 15 October 2024 regarding the environmental impact reports necessary to expedite the stabilization of Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara beaches.
Proposed Shoreline Stabilization Project
The general directorate for the coast and sea has proposed a project to ensure the quality of Marbella’s beaches. The project, divided into two parts, involves a significant supply of sand, estimated at 400,000 cubic meters, to be extracted from the Serranía de Ronda, specifically from the unprotected area of Genal river. The project aims to restore and stabilize Marbella’s central beaches, with a budget of 8.5 million euros and a completion period of 8 months.
Remodeling of Guadalmina and Guadaiza Coastlines
The second part of the project involves the remodeling of the coastline between the estuaries of the rivers Guadalmina and Guadaiza, in San Pedro Alcántara. The work includes the construction of a system of five breakwaters, the elimination of 5,000 cubic meters of boulders, and the addition of 200,000 cubic meters of sand along the entire beachfront. The budget for this part is 7.4 million euros, with an execution period of 9 months.
Rejection of La Venus Beach Breakwater Project
The proposed construction of a breakwater at La Venus beach has been rejected by Costas. The state administration has announced that the project will be put out to tender in 2025.
