Fuerteventura (ES)
Fuerteventura is an island of the Canary archipelago and one of the most southern parts of Europe right in front of the African mainland. With about 86% of non-built up areas it compromises 13 Natural Protected Areas, important geological features, untouched flora and fauna as well as many protected species.
Fuerteventura has rich cultural heritage with more than 60 important cultural sites located in different municipalities. Several annual events that have the roots in the 19th century or before are Romería de la Virgen de la Peña in Betancuria from 15th century. The island proudly calls their coast ”The best beaches in the Atlantic”. Fuerteventura has 8 beaches certified by the Blue Flag criteria and most bathing water points within the destination have an “Excellent” status according to the EEA/ EU Bathing Water Directive.
Positive aspects:
- Various associations and organizations are found as the representatives of the tourism sector
- Environmental policy is generally good particularly regarding water and waste management
- In respect to sustainable transport there is a positive example of development of a cycle line. Together with already existing bicycle paths it results in 225 km cycle line which allows biking through the whole island
- Since 2006, Fuerteventura is successfully carrying out a project called “Proyecto Tortuga” aiming to significantly increase the loggerhead turtle population on the beaches of the Canaries
VISTAS BEST PRACTICE CASES:
- The Starlight Reserve (draft)
- Reintroduction of the Loggerhead sea turtle (draft)
Point for improvement:
- Officially recognized eco-education programme in the primary and secondary schools is not found in Fuerteventura