Canary Islands Coastal Director Investigated Over 'Cuna del Alma' Development Project
Canary Islands coastal director Antonio Acosta is under investigation for allegedly authorizing illegal construction within the protected "Cuna del Alma" development project in Tenerife.
The management of the Canary Islands' coastline is back in the spotlight after Antonio Acosta, the regional Director General of Coasts, appeared before an Arona court. Acosta is being investigated over his decision to authorize construction work within the "Cuna del Alma" development project in El Puertito de Adeje.
The investigation focuses on potential environmental and land-use crimes. While the full project spans over 43 hectares and includes more than 4,400 units, the legal case is limited to a specific 2,394-square-meter strip. Last April, Judge Sandra Peraza ordered a temporary halt to work on private facilities in this area—including pools, changing rooms, dining areas, and parking—due to concerns that they violate Coastal Law protections for land within 100 meters of the shoreline.
During his testimony, Acosta defended his actions, stating that his approval followed standard administrative procedures and was backed by the necessary technical reports. The Canary Islands government has backed him, noting that the authorization was granted after the developer, Segunda Casa Adeje SL, addressed previously identified issues. The company has appealed the judge’s suspension, arguing that the affected area accounts for only 0.5% of the entire project.
However, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the local ecological group Puertito Libre disagree. They are pushing for the investigation to determine whether there was any legal justification for allowing construction in such a protected zone. The broader inquiry is looking into potential charges of corruption, influence peddling, prevarication, and document forgery.
This case adds further tension to a project that has faced significant public opposition from the start. The development had previously been paused by regional authorities due to concerns over missing environmental impact studies and the potential destruction of protected plant species and archaeological sites. This latest legal battle underscores the ongoing conflict between luxury development and the protection of the Canary Islands' coastline.