Authorities in the Canary Islands are investigating nearly 45 illegal constructions in protected natural areas, with more than 20 people already under investigation on the island of Lanzarote.
The operation, led by the Nature Protection Service (EPRONA) of the Guardia Civil, is part of a broader crackdown on unauthorised developments threatening environmentally sensitive zones.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Guardia Civil Command in Las Palmas, officers have carried out 42 inspections across the municipalities of Haría and Tías. The buildings, ranging from residential homes to recreational structures, were erected on protected land where construction is strictly prohibited.
Those under investigation face possible prison sentences of between one and three years, a fine, and may be ordered to demolish the illegal buildings and restore the land to its original condition.
The investigation has been supported by the Canary Islands Natural Environment Agency and the urban planning department of Haría Council. Their cooperation has been crucial in identifying and documenting the unauthorised developments.
EPRONA has warned that these activities pose a serious threat to the island’s ecosystems, with some of the illegal structures causing significant disruption to agricultural land and ecologically sensitive areas.
Public Warning and Further Action Expected
The Guardia Civil has issued a public reminder urging anyone considering the purchase of rural land or embarking on construction projects to first consult local planning authorities or the Canary Islands Agency for Environmental Protection to ensure legal compliance.
Investigators say the scale of illegal development in Lanzarote is larger than initially thought, and further inspections are planned as part of the next phase of the operation. The number of people facing legal action is expected to rise.
