Protecting Fuerteventura: Beautiful by Nature Campaign
The “Fuerteventura, beautiful by nature” programme has initiated an important clean-up campaign in Cofete, one of the island’s most renowned locations. Starting on 29 May, dedicated teams began working to clear debris across a 12-hectare area, which is approximately the size of 16 football pitches.
On the first day alone, volunteers collected a range of waste including plastic bags, plastic and glass bottles, cans, paper, and beach equipment. This waste was scattered around the village of Cofete, found in the car park, along the beach, and across the streets, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining its natural beauty.
Additionally, the teams are supporting ongoing road repair works on the route to Cofete. These efforts follow the recent restoration of the road connecting Morro Jable‘s cemetery, Puertito de la Cruz, and Punta de Jandía. These improvements are part of preparations for the upcoming San Juan festival, scheduled for June, which draws visitors from across the region.
The importance of Cofete
Cofete holds a significant place in Fuerteventura’s history. By 1823, it was already home to thirty families and stood as the first settlement on the Jandía peninsula. Beyond its historical roots, Cofete is a vital part of the island’s cultural and traditional identity. It embodies the heritage, culture, and socio-economic fabric of Fuerteventura’s autonomous community. Recently, the Canary Islands Parliament unanimously approved a bill that recognises and safeguards the special status of Cofete, establishing its compatibility with the Jandía Natural Park and ensuring the protection of its historical and environmental values.
The project is part of the broader “Fuerteventura, beautiful by nature” initiative, a programme driven by the Fuerteventura Island Council’s Department of Management and Spatial Planning (Gesplan). This initiative focuses on small-scale local projects aimed at enhancing the island’s natural beauty and environmental health.
The crews will carry out a cleanup over an area approximately the size of 16 football fields in the area surrounding the town, the parking lot, the beach and the roads.
The contract awarded to Gesplan involves developing projects targeted at preserving the natural environment, improving visitor experiences, and elevating residents’ quality of life—ensuring that Cofete and the larger Fuerteventura region remain authentic, vibrant, and sustainable destinations for generations to come.
Source: Cabildo de Fuerteventura ↗
