Major beach regeneration project begins in Valencia's southern shoreline

9/8/23, 8:40 AM By Costas News Costa Blanca Photo Credit: 20minutos

The beach regeneration works along the southern coast of Valencia, from Saler to Perellonet, kicked off this Wednesday, following the conclusion of the peak summer season. This marks a new phase with the commencement of sand dredging operations at l'Arbre del Gos beach.

This endeavour aims to provide fresh sediment to combat the coastal regression that has plagued the Albufera coastline over recent decades due to storms and the expansion of the port.

Pilar Bernabé, the Government Delegate in the Valencian Community, explained that, as previously communicated to the City Council and affected residents, these works were set to begin "in early September." With the approval from the Coastal Authority of the Ministry of Ecological Transition, the operations have already commenced to transfer three million cubic metres of sand for the southern beach regeneration.

Last August, the installation of a large pipeline began, serving as a preparatory step, "without causing inconvenience to beachgoers," emphasized the central administration. The intervention boasts a budget of 28 million euros, making it "the largest investment ever made in Spain for beach regeneration," according to Bernabé.

The regeneration works on the southern beaches are funded through European Next Generation funds, which necessitates their completion by the end of 2023. "It's important to emphasize that the Spanish Government has launched a highly ambitious project to rejuvenate our coastline. It's proof of their commitment to our natural environment," added the delegate, highlighting the government's intense efforts to address this "very significant" demand from local residents.

Catalá Calls for Additional Funding:
The Mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, will request in the 2024 General State Budget (PGE) that there be "a much more ambitious allocation for the regeneration of the southern beaches." She will also call on the Valencia Port Authority (APV) to activate its resources for the revitalization of these areas.