Tourists remove more than a ton of rocks, stones and other materials from Lanzarote’s nature spots each year.
According to a report in La Voz de Lanzarote, the vast majority of material is intercepted at Lanzarote airport, where it is confiscated. However, as it cannot be proved that rocks or shells have been taken from protected areas, fines are not issued. The confiscated stones are used by gardeners at the airport.
Persons caught in the act of removing stones, shells and other items from protected areas can face fines ranging from €150 to €6,000, depending on the seriousness of the offence. However, with only eight environmental rangers on the island, the task of monitoring all tourist activity is impossible.
The Cabildo’s environment department has called for more staff, as well as clearer information warning tourists that areas are protected and removing material may be an offence.
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