The Ministry of Environment has published in the Official State Bulletin (BOE) the award by the General Directorate of Coasts of contracting the drafting of projects to reform and restore the beaches of Hermigua and Valle Gran Rey, for a total amount of 143.300 euros. The president of Cabildo de La Gomera, Casimiro Curbelo, says in a communiqué that these are two initiatives raised by the insular corporation in order to improve and enhance the use and enjoyment of coastal areas, in addition to boosting the tourist attractions of these municipalities.

Curbelo explains that the Ministry of Environment and more specifically the General Directorate of Coasts has responded to the demands made by the Cabildo, and has awarded the drafting of both works. He states that the project of Valle Gran Rey will be developed by the company Giur SL with 65.000 euros, while the company which submitted the best offer for the project of Hermigua is Eptisa with 78.300 euros. The president recalls that along with the demands of the respective municipalities, the Cabildo moved to Madrid the need to restore coastal areas in the north of the island.

He explains that in addition to Hermigua the project also benefits the municipality of Agulo, so that both sites can be incorporated into the traditional tourist routes from which they have become more distant, for the benefit of the south. The restoration works will encompass the entire zone between the beaches of La Caleta and San Marcos, including the area of Lepe, Los Pescantes, and the village centre of Agulo.

Regarding the beach of Valle Gran Rey, Curbelo says that the works will address the main bathing area of the municipality, which is one of the most important tourist destinations on the island. In his view, it is necessary to urgently undertake a project of conditioning the beach from Casa de María until Charco del Conde, as well as the regeneration of the sand.

"All these actions should lead to the coastal improvement of Valle Gran Rey, which includes the reversal of the beach boundary about forty meters", he adds. According to Curbelo this southern town meets the conditions for achieving a balance between the public use and enjoyment of the shoreline, with the recovery and maintenance of natural values.