Alejandro Marichal: “The proposal of the Canary Islands Coalition is aimed at avoiding chaotic urbanization, improving coexistence between uses and stopping the sanctioning proceedings promoted by the regional government”
The latest Citizens' Day organised by the Coalición Canaria San Bartolomé de Tirajana brought together citizens, experts and local representatives this afternoon, Wednesday 27 November, in a forum focused on reflecting on the challenges of current urban planning and the search for a more inclusive and sustainable model. Maribe Doreste, president of the Platform for People Affected by the Tourism Law (PALT), took part in the event, addressing the social and urban challenges of Maspalomas under the title "Maspalomas: Social Sustainability and Spatial Justice".
The Local Secretary of Coalición Canaria in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Alejandro Marichal, was in charge of welcoming and introducing the speaker, highlighting her extensive experience and her focus on the challenges facing Maspalomas in terms of planning. Marichal recalled the firm commitment of Coalición Canaria to the compatibility of residential and tourist uses on tourist land, for which work is being done on provisional ordinances that will provide greater legal security to residents on tourist land. “Our proposal is aimed at avoiding chaotic urbanization, improving coexistence between uses and stopping the sanctioning proceedings promoted by the regional government.”
During her presentation, Maribe Doreste raised the need to rethink Maspalomas' urban planning through an approach that integrates coexistence, inclusion and social justice. She stressed that sustainability should not be limited to protecting the natural environment, but also to guaranteeing equal access for citizens to urban resources and public spaces. Among the most relevant proposals, she highlighted that accessible green areas should function as open spaces that, in addition to offering recreational opportunities, connect urban areas and contribute to improving the quality of life of residents. Likewise, infrastructures should be inclusive, designed to meet the needs of people with reduced mobility and other vulnerable groups. Finally, public spaces should promote social interaction, strengthening the community fabric and encouraging meetings and cultural activities for both citizens and tourists.
Criticisms of the current model
The PALT president also dismantled certain concepts associated with the current legal framework that governs tourism in the region. She questioned the conversion of homes into accommodation units, a practice that, she said, denatures residential use and expels citizens from their own spaces in favor of foreign economic activities. “Spatial justice cannot subordinate the rights of residents to the demands of external groups. This is not only unfair, but also unsustainable in social and urban terms,” said Doreste.
In this regard, he firmly rejected projects such as the transformation of Maspalomas into a “theme park”, arguing that this tourist approach disconnects residents from their surroundings and breaks social cohesion. “Sustainability is not just an environmental issue, but a balance between the economic, social and cultural needs of local communities,” he added.
The future of urban planning in Maspalomas
Doreste proposed an alternative model that takes into account the existing urban fabric, imbuing it with the new social values of the 21st century, such as equity, citizen participation and social sustainability. He advocated for a legislative framework that would allow citizens to live and enjoy their homes and public spaces without fear of being displaced by uncontrolled tourist growth.
