Environmental groups raise concerns over protected areas in Spain

Environmental organizations are challenging management plans and human impact in two distinct Spanish natural areas.

In the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, the association Aromas de Ruidera has rejected a draft Emergency and Firefighting Plan proposed by the Government of Castilla-La Mancha. The group argues the plan could restrict visitor access during summer weekends and criticizes the attempt to shift emergency management responsibilities from the park authority to local municipalities, urbanizations, and hotels. They are calling for a dialogue table to ensure safety without harming the local economy or public use of the site.

In Tenerife, three ecological organizations—ATAN, ACBC, and the Telesforo Bravo-Juan Coello Foundation—have warned that the Montaña Roja Special Natural Reserve is facing ecological disaster. They report that excessive visitor numbers and the use of illegal paths are causing soil erosion, damaging vegetation, and destroying habitats. Specifically, the groups noted the disappearance of nesting sites for the Kentish plover and are urging the Cabildo de Tenerife to increase surveillance and environmental information to protect the area's biodiversity.