Else Beekman
On Saturday, more than 200 people gathered in Dénia to protest against the ongoing coastal demarcation process. They demand changes to the Coastal Law (Ley de Costas) out of fear of losing their homes.
The demonstration was organised by the associations Defensa de Playas Norte Dénia and Deveses-Basot. These argue that their homes are not to blame for the coastal erosion affecting the area.
Under the central banner bearing the slogan “Dénia is mourning. Costas destroys. Costas expels. No to their unjust law,” organisers and spokespersons led the protest through Marqués de Campos street. The demonstration concluded with a manifesto read by spokesperson Francisco Ros, who declared, “It cannot be that decent people, who have paid their taxes within a legal framework at the time, are now going to lose their homes.” He added, “They are usurping our houses.”
Local political support amidst government absence
The protest received backing from all local political parties except the governing council (PSPV-PSOE). Among the supporters was Marc García, Director General of Coasts for the Generalitat, who stated, “We must demand the ministry to complete pending works and halt all demarcation processes until these coastal erosion prevention measures are finished.”
Impact on over 3,700 homes in Dénia
The protestors highlighted that over 3,700 homes in Dénia alone are affected by the Coastal Law. They described the situation as “psychological abuse” due to an “unfair and outdated” law. Many of the affected properties have been legally registered for over 50 to 100 years and, according to the protestors, have not contributed to the erosion of the beaches.
Blame placed on infrastructure, not homes
The demonstrators argued that the regression of Dénia’s beaches is largely due to sediment retention by dams, changes in marine currents caused by commercial and recreational ports, and the construction of hard barriers, such as the expansion where Balearia is located. They emphasised that coastal erosion has been exacerbated by over 30 years of neglect and poor coastal management.
Calls for coastal regeneration
Protestors called for the restoration of protective structures that were removed, such as perpendicular dykes in Les Marines. These were initially replaced with the promise of five parallel barriers to slow water movement and restore sand levels, but only one was built. They demand that the government take responsibility for the damage caused by previous interventions and implement effective coastal regeneration measures.
What is the Coastal Law?
The Spanish Coastal Law (Ley de Costas) of 1988 aims to define, protect, and regulate the maritime-terrestrial public domain, with special attention to the coastline. Therefore, the law seeks to guarantee public access to the sea and coast, promote rational and sustainable use of these areas, and preserve their ecological integrity. This includes establishing protection zones, such as the protection servitude. This imposes restrictions on private properties near the coast to safeguard the environment and landscape.
Also read: New Costal Law puts pressure on Valencia constructions