The future of the beaches of Barcelona and Tarragona is uncertain and some Catalan municipalities remain divided over the contribution of sand as a measure to recover them.
The Ministry for Ecological Transition, through the General Directorate of Coasts, has invested 5.3 million euros in the last three years to recover the beaches.
All in response to the Gloria storm in 2020 and the subsequent torrential rains that also affected the coast.
However, much of the added sand has been engulfed by the sea.
In fact, the Director General of Climate Change of the Generalitat, Mireia Boya, believes that the loss of sand will be the natural dynamic in many places and some beaches will disappear.
The uncertain future of Barcelona’s beaches
Boya considers that adding sand is “throwing money away” and that the inevitable process of sand loss should be assumed, since the sea level will continue to rise and beaches will become shorter and shorter.
For its part, the Ministry admits that the contribution of sand is a temporary and momentary measure, but maintains it because several municipalities request it.
It is also more environmentally friendly than some construction sites.
The contribution of sand to recover the beaches divides the Catalan municipalities. Some mayors are calling for it as a measure to save the summer season, while others do not accept it.
Boya also criticizes the “economic interest” that focuses this strategy on avoiding the natural process of sand loss.
Factors affecting
Storms and coastal erosion are a problem that worries the inhabitants of the Catalan coast.
On the Tarragona coast, for example, significant state investments have been made to protect the beaches.
However, in Maresme, the effects of storms are a source of concern, especially due to the proximity between the beach and the train tracks.
Although more durable and ecological possibilities are being studied, such as the construction of breakwaters, the towns most affected by coastal erosion, such as Premià de Mar, are asking for more immediate solutions, such as the provision of sand.
Coastal erosion is a complex and delicate problem that requires the collaboration of different agencies and the implementation of appropriate and environmentally friendly measures.
The contribution of sand is a measure that can be effective in the short term, but it is not a definitive solution, especially in a context of climate change.
It is therefore necessary to continue working on the search for more durable and sustainable solutions that will ensure the long-term protection of beaches and the environment.
It appears that extra sand is the most feasible and effective measure at this time.
