Cabildo issues first fine for illegal Buggy tours in Lanzarote
The Lanzarote Cabildo has issued its first major fine for illegal buggy excursions inside the protected Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches, in the municipality of Yaiza.
Through its Environmental Department, the Cabildo has imposed a €4,500 penalty on a tour company after environmental agents recorded a string of buggies circulating inside the protected area in July during an inspection.
The offence has been classed as “serious” under current environmental and land-protection regulations and sanctioned accordingly.
Authorities warn that such activities cause significant damage to wildlife and fragile ecosystems. Motor vehicles in natural areas compact the soil, accelerate erosion and damage vegetation, disrupting delicate habitats.
Vulnerable species, such as the Canary houbara and other steppe birds, may abandon feeding or breeding zones due to noise and constant disturbance.
Cabildo president Oswaldo Betancort described the sanction as “an exemplary measure that shows our determination to enforce the law and protect Lanzarote’s natural heritage.” He stressed that irresponsible activities cannot be allowed to degrade the landscape: “Lanzarote is inseparable from its nature, and defending it is a collective duty.”
The Cabildo reminds the public that organised buggy, quad and 4x4 jeep tours are strictly prohibited on rural land and within protected natural spaces, as no official route network exists for these vehicles.
Environment Councillor Samuel Martín emphasised that unauthorised off-road driving poses a real risk to biodiversity, particularly to species such as the Canary houbara. Persistent noise and traffic can force birds to abandon breeding sites, jeopardising their survival. “This is not about restricting for the sake of it,” Martín said, “but about ensuring activities take place in a sustainable and respectful way.”
The institution calls on businesses, residents and visitors to act responsibly and help safeguard Lanzarote’s unique landscapes. “This island is not an adventure playground,” concluded Betancort. “Lanzarote is a place to protect — and that responsibility belongs to all of us.”
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