Human chains formed on beaches in the regions of Valencia and Murcia on Saturday to demand action against sand erosion and possible evictions of homeowners.

The protests organized by Somos Mediterranean Sea blame the construction of dams and ports, plus the effects of storms in recent years, for sand erosion.

The platform also says that the latest reforms to the Coastal Act, including the allocation of plots of land to the public domain, will lead to the demolition of houses, some of which have been standing for “centuries”.

READ MORE:

Last autumn, around 100 homeowners of houses on the coast in Denia indicated that they were in danger of losing full control of their homes due to the legislation.

Federico Aniorte from Somos Mediterranean Sea said: “Instead of protecting what is necessary, the Coastal Law is being used to dispossess and banish families who have had their legal home since time immemorial, without compensating them and even making them pay for the demolition of their property.”

Human chains appeared on several beaches in the Valencian Community, including Malvarrosa, Gandía, Guardamar and Sagunto, as well as Cabo de Palos in Murcia.

A deputy of the Partido Popular in the Valencian parliament, Ignacio Aleixandre, attended the protest in El Perello.

“A new Coastal Law is needed for people and the environment and I have joined the chain because our beaches have seriously deteriorated, putting them at risk of disappearing,” said Aleixandre.

“We are here to support dozens of neighbors and owners who see their heritage or their businesses in danger because of left-wing governments that abuse our beaches, our tourism and our coasts.”

“It is about making the right to property compatible with measures to preserve and protect the coast,” Alexiandre added.