The Consell has given the green light to the draft Law on the Protection and Management of the Valencian Coast, whose main objective is to guarantee the comprehensive and sustainable management of the coastline of the Valencian Community. After its approval in the Plenary Session, the initiative will be sent to Les Corts Valencianes for the corresponding debate and vote.
The legislation seeks to establish an effective management of the Valencian coastline, preserving both its natural and cultural values, as well as preventing risks, especially those related to climate change. It also aims to preserve and improve the cultural heritage of coastal areas, as well as protect urban centres and traditional coastal settlements.
The Valencian Community's powers include coastal planning, inland fishing and aquaculture. Within this framework, the law states that Les Corts will be responsible for creating the regulatory instruments necessary for planning adapted to the unique characteristics of the Valencian coast. This regulation also seeks to provide legal security for coastal activities, replacing previous regulations that did not guarantee the required stability.
Fundamental principles of the law
The future regulation is based on principles of environmental protection and improvement, together with the redevelopment of the coastline. Its purpose is to regulate the use and conservation of the coastline, promoting compatibility between economic activities and the preservation of the natural environment.
Its objectives include:
- Regulate the coastal territory from the sea to the territorial limits.
- Make the protection of natural values compatible with economic development.
- Addressing coastal regression through specific protection tools.
- Include coastal municipalities in coastal management, giving them active participation in decisions.
Structure and content of the standard
The law consists of 59 articles distributed in several chapters, as well as seven additional provisions, three transitional provisions, one repealing provision and four final provisions. These guidelines cover everything from the distribution of powers between administrations to the specific regulation of beaches and a system of classification according to their degree of urbanisation.
The regulation also raises the basic provisions of the Territorial Action Plan for Green Infrastructure for the Coast (Pativel) to legal status, establishing the permitted, prohibited and authorisable uses in each coastal area. In this way, greater clarity in planning and greater legal certainty are guaranteed, while at the same time ensuring flexibility in the management of the territory.
One of the most notable changes is the specific protection of posidonia, an essential species in marine ecosystems, with a general ban on anchoring boats on this plant. In addition, the law reinforces the protection of biodiversity and the essential natural values of the coast.
Boosting the blue economy
The law also aims to promote the blue economy strategy in the Valencian Community. This includes sustainable and responsible development of marine resources, ensuring long-term economic benefits without compromising the environment.
Inspection regime and sanctions
The final part of the regulation establishes a system of inspections and sanctions to balance human activities with the protection of the natural values of the coast. It also provides for the creation of an inventory of degraded coastal lands and the delimitation of areas to reorganize spaces that cannot be recovered.
Finally, the additional provisions include measures to monitor state resolutions that may negatively affect the Valencian coast, thus reinforcing the autonomy of the Valencian Community in the management of its coastline.