Area: Reserva Natural Especial de las Dunas de Maspalomas — 404 hectares

Officers: ~20 from 5 agencies (SEPRONA, Autonomous Police, Local Police, Civil Protection, Environment)

New: First-ever drone for aerial surveillance

Evening shift: 4 Cabildo environmental agents specifically assigned to evening hours

Duration: At least until April 5 (end of Easter)

The Reserva Natural Especial de las Dunas de Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) is one of the Canary Islands' most fragile yet most visited natural protected areas. During Easter week 2026, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria has launched a comprehensive surveillance operation to protect the 404-hectare dune landscape from damage.

Around 20 officers have been deployed, including agents from the Guardia Civil's environmental unit SEPRONA, the Autonomous Police, local police and Civil Protection. The team is reinforced by four environmental agents from the Cabildo, specifically assigned to evening shifts — the time when most violations occur.

Drone surveillance from the air

For the first time during an Easter operation, a drone is being used. It will monitor areas that are difficult to reach on foot and help detect illegal activities early — such as entering restricted zones, wild camping or littering.

The Maspalomas Dunes are a sensitive ecosystem threatened by careless visitors, wild camping and erosion from foot traffic. During public holidays like Semana Santa, visitor numbers increase significantly — and so does the risk of environmental damage.

Regeneration projects

Environment Minister Raúl García Brink emphasised that the Cabildo has been working on the regeneration of the dune landscape for years. Two projects are central: MasDunas and Impulsa Maspalomas. Both aim to restore native vegetation, remove invasive plant species and improve visitor management.

The dunes are not only a nature reserve but also a major economic asset for southern Gran Canaria. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the area each year — striking a balance between tourism and conservation remains the central challenge.

What visitors should know

If you're visiting the dunes during Easter, stay on the marked paths, don't leave any rubbish behind and respect the fenced-off regeneration zones. Wild camping is strictly prohibited and carries heavy fines. The increased surveillance will remain in place at least until the end of the Easter holidays on April 5.