The beaches of El Perelló, El Pouet, and Les Palmeres (Sueca) are in the final stages of regeneration work that the Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco) began in June. With sand distribution now complete, they are expected to reopen progressively between this week and next, while dune restoration efforts conclude.
The condition of this coastline, including Pinedo, El Saler, and El Perellonet, has been critical due to severe erosion in recent years, posing a risk to La Albufera, particularly concerning potential salinization.
The scale of the works, also underway in Cullera and Sagunto, has refocused attention on the expansion of the Port of Valencia as a primary cause of coastal erosion affecting the beaches of the La Albufera Natural Park and Sueca, according to various reports.
For the coast of El Perelló, El Pouet, and Les Palmeres, an investment of 7.6 million euros will restore a beach width of 22 meters by adding 700,000 cubic meters of sand along 3 kilometers of coastline.
Previously, in 2023, Miteco invested 28 million euros to deposit over three million cubic meters of sand along 7.1 kilometers of coast between Pinedo and the Gola de Pujol, achieving a 75-meter widening of the beach.
In total, Miteco has invested 35.6 million euros in this coastal stretch, with no financial contribution from the Port Authority of Valencia (APV), despite it being identified as the main cause of erosion. The APV does fund, also with public money, the 542.6 million euros for the northern expansion works of the port.
An environmental impact study from 2018 already indicated the Port of Valencia as a cause of the southern beaches' regression and a risk to La Albufera Natural Park. The study states that the suppression of coastal feeding sources and the port's barrier effect have led to coastal regression and degradation of this protected area.
The erosive phenomenon has spread southward, threatening the ecosystems of La Devesa and the narrowness of the sandbar closing La Albufera. Previous interventions have been sporadic material additions, offering short-term solutions without addressing the overall problem.
“"The Port of Valencia is the main cause of the erosion problems of the sandbar of La Albufera de València, as it causes an interruption of the natural flow of sediments and has generated strong regression."
A report from the Scientific Committee of La Albufera Natural Park, dated July 2021, states that the Port of Valencia is the primary cause of the sandbar's erosion, disrupting natural sediment flow and causing significant regression. This is exacerbated by reduced river supply and rising sea levels.
The report also notes that the port has never compensated for these damages and urges the APV to implement measures to restore the altered coastal connectivity, with scientific community support. The possibility of dismantling coastal infrastructures that have lost their functionality is even considered.
Regarding the underwater material extracted for the expansion, its impact depends on depth. Below 20 meters, there would be no impact on sediment dynamics, but shallower extraction would affect the beach system. A study on the effects of these extractions on wave patterns is required.
Finally, it is indicated that the modification of the northern dock, which increases maritime traffic, has not considered the impacts on biodiversity, which require rigorous evaluation under current environmental legislation. The 2007 Environmental Impact Statement (DIA), under which the northern terminal is being built, does not account for project modifications, and its validity is pending a judicial resolution.
