Sotavento beach: past, present and future of a unique beach

The coastal road, known as FV-2, provides access to Sotavento beach from various parts. From September 2011, this area is part of of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) within the Natura 2000 network.
The purpose of this network is to safeguard the long-term survival of endangered species and natural habitats in Europe, thereby mitigating the loss of biodiversity caused by adverse impacts. One remarkable feature that sets this area apart from the rest of the Canary Islands is the merging of sand and water, creating a unique sight that stretches towards the horizon. This can be observed by looking out to sea from the Los Verodes area. At low tide, a wide sandy platform emerges, allowing visitors to walk on it. However, during high tide, the platform is submerged, catching uninformed bathers off guard. It transforms from a dry plain to a water-covered area within just an hour.
This phenomenon resembles the mouth of a river or a sandy delta, but in reality, there is no river present.
The accumulation of sand in the waterlogged area is solely due to the influence of ocean currents and wind. Stray sandy areas are more prevalent on the Winward coast, located on the opposite side of the island, where the wind easily carries sand throughout the Jable up to Sotavento. The vegetation in this isthmus has adapted to the saline sandy environment.

Sand and wind

The sandy beach is shaped by the constant trade winds, forming sandy mounds known as microdunes or nebkas, which eventually create a natural barrier along the coast. The coastline from Costa Calma to Morro Jable is approximately 1 kilometer long and remains uninterrupted. Shallow ponds form between the sandy barrier and solid ground, providing a source of food for specialized fauna.
Rayones, large longitudinal dunes, serve as a reminder of traditional cereal measures and stack in the area. Over time, the height and length of these dunes have decreased, possibly due to increased vegetation in the isthmus and the negative impact of buildings and roads along the coast.

The negative impact of man

The construction of new tourist facilities has had a negative impact on the natural environment. These developments have disrupted the natural flow of winds, impeding the movement of sand between the Windward and Leeward regions. The dunes have experienced a decline in both size and extent, leading to a reduction in the coastline and the transformation of once sandy beaches into rocky areas. This concerning trend paints a rather pessimistic picture for the future of this distinctive coastal space.

How to safeguard Sotavento beach in the future

The beaches of Sotavento were once solely frequented by fishermen and shellfish gatherers. The calm waters provided an ideal environment for fishing from the shore, employing various techniques such as “embarbascar”. Additionally, these fishermen would venture out in small boats near the coastline.

However, in the late 1960s, the tourist industry discovered the allure of Sotavento’s beaches. With its tranquil sea and sunny climate, visitors can enjoy swimming throughout the year, except for cloudy or relatively cold winter days. Consequently, it has become the primary tourist attraction in the municipality of Pájara. Nevertheless, the rapid urban development and extensive use of the coast pose significant threats to this landscape. It is crucial to carefully plan projects in the medium and long term to ensure a harmonious balance between the natural environment and the interests of the tourism industry. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of all individuals to contribute to the preservation of this delicate equilibrium.
We must always remember that the beach is a natural habitat, and our presence with animals, sun loungers, umbrellas, swimming, kitesurfing, and windsurfing all have an impact on the beach itself and its flora.
Although coexistence is possible, it can be complex at times.

So, try to respect Sotavento beach…

Source: Ayuntamento de Pajara