Informal coastal settlements in the province of santa cruz de tenerife (canary islands), genesis and evolution

Abstract

The application of coastal regulations for the protection of maritime-terrestrial public domain has not prevented its degradation. In addition, in the years of greater application of such regulations, it has generated a significant social conflict. In the case of the Canary Islands, since it is an island territory, this problem has singular characteristics. The article uses fieldwork (interviews) with affected neighbors and hemerographic sourses with the aim of explaining the nature of a conflict that affects various sections of the coast of several islands of the archipelago. The results of the investigation show, in the first place, the Administration has not taken into account the historical causes of the human occupation of the coast for the management of these informal enclaves. Secondly, it is concluded that there has been a high degree of responsibility of the Administration in the development of the coastal enclaves, many of them being threatened with demolition.