Recognition of Cofete in Jandía Natural Park

The Canary Islands government has enacted a new law explicitly recognizing the preexisting rural settlement of Cofete within Jandía Natural Park on Fuerteventura. This legislation clarifies the geographic boundaries of Cofete as they existed in 1994, based on historical records and aerial photos, aiming to avoid future disputes about land use and conservation.

Purpose and Background

• The move responds to legal complexities stemming from previous planning laws that did not explicitly define Cofete, which led to legal challenges and the annulment of a 2006 management plan.

Goals of the Legislation

• Establish official recognition of Cofete.
• Ensure better protection and sustainable planning of the area.
• Balance conservation with the needs of local residents.
• Update legal references to ensure consistency with recent legislation, including the 2017 Law of Soil and Natural Spaces.
• Set the groundwork for creating a detailed management plan for Cofete.

Key Points

• The law emphasizes that the settlement’s status as a rural area will be considered compatible with the protected natural environment, provided proper regulations are followed.

Significance

"This legislation marks a significant step toward safeguarding Cofete’s heritage while supporting responsible tourism and environmental preservation in one of the Canary Islands’ most iconic natural spots."

• Provides certainty to residents and stakeholders about the future management of this unique landscape.