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Invasive urban development along Spain’s coast, harmful chemical spills and filthy dog beaches: just three of the problems highlighted by environmentalists Ecologists in Action, who this week published their notorious Black Flags Report 2023.

 

Two Black Flags have been awarded, one for contamination and the other for poor management, in an ironic salute to the prestigious Blue Flag accolade, which celebrates the quality of the country’s shorelines.

 

"These are not all the beaches that deserve them, which unfortunately could be more," the report pointed out. "One of our problems is the touristification and urbanisation of the coast."

 

Of the 48 black flags awarded this year, 17 were given for the over-development of the coast, which in many cases threatens the natural wildlife; 12 were awarded due to spills, faulty sanitation systems and serious purification problems; 6 due to chemical, light and /or acoustic pollution; 6 due to effects on biodiversity; 3 due to accumulation of marine litter; 2 due to dredging and port extensions without justification; among many others.

 

One of the major issues for Ecologists in Action this year is the number of dog beaches that have sprung up without any thought to the impact on the environment. In the 2023 edition, A Calzoa in the northern town of Vigo has received the unfortunate award of “the worst dog beach in Spain”, and the city council has been heavily criticised for failing to carry out an impact assessment.

 

The beach, they claim, has "become a sandbox for dogs."

 

"Walking dogs through natural environments has become a very popular activity around the world, which raises a series of environmental problems and challenges that must be addressed responsibly by administrations and society," the ecologists added.

 

 

While those regions that have been doomed with a Black Flag are still reeling, the environmentalists did concede that some important improvements have also been made this year in Spain such as the stoppage of the new treatment plant in Barbate, Cadiz and the many initiatives developed to protect the Mar Menor.

 

 

Images: Ecologistas en Acción