By spatial economy, two cases are addressed as good practices among the many possible ones, one, the micro area, on the governance model of Las Canteras, where there are multiple uses (including surfing) and thousands of users on its 3kms of beach, and two, the "smart beach" system, on the monitoring of the beaches, Las Canteras, Alcaravaneras and La Laja, which have videometric and sensor systems that are integrated into the smart city platform of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
1) Micro Areas: A Pioneering and Sustainable Management Model
The Micro Area concept is an innovative management model developed to integrate institutions, collectives and people in the integrated management of coastal areas. Las Canteras stands out as the first operational Micro Area, demonstrating a pioneering approach to coastal management through the collaboration of numerous institutions and collectives. Students and researchers from six Spanish universities (ULPGC, ULL, University of Alicante, University of Cádiz, University of Barcelona, University of Cantabria), together with the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), as well as various public and private entities, have actively participated in the definition of the Micro Areas model.
The aim of this model is not simply to establish consensual regulations on permitted activities at sea, but to apply a practical and functional approach to management. Las Canteras serves as an example of sustainable development and respect for nature, continuously leading environmental initiatives. The Las Canteras Micro Ecotourism Area seeks to promote the sustainable use of coastal ecosystem resources, such as ecotourism, which is intrinsically linked to the preservation of marine biodiversity. This model also encourages the development of small areas that benefit all users.
In addition, this approach aims to balance environmental needs with the socio-economic development of coastal areas, supporting the Natura 2000 Network through citizen participation. By encouraging the participation of social and business agents, small-scale proposals are generated that contribute to slowing environmental degradation, preserving healthy and resilient marine ecosystems, recovering degraded areas and reducing pressures on biodiversity.
2) Smart Beach: Technology at the Service of Coastal Management
Beaches are emblematic spaces that attract millions of people every year, both residents and tourists, looking for moments of relaxation and fun. The growing need to guarantee the safety and sustainability of these spaces has driven the implementation of innovative technological solutions.
The main beaches of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have adopted the Smart Beach solution, positioning the city as a leader in the Spanish coastline with the most advanced technology for the sensorisation and real-time monitoring of its beaches and coasts. This system makes it possible to quantify the number of people using the beaches, evaluating the environmental, economic and resource use impact.
In addition, the Smart Beach system analyses weather conditions and environmental noise, and monitors rubbish containers to determine how full they are. It also monitors water consumption at
showers, which can be managed remotely, allowing them to be opened and closed as required.
These examples reflect an innovative approach to public beach management, integrating sustainability and technology to improve coastal zone management and promote responsible and efficient use of resources.
Today, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has integrated management of the city through the "Blue Intelligence" platform, where one of its vertical or thematic applications is focused solely on beaches and which, as described above, is called "Smart Beach", a pioneer at a global level by integrating in a single application so many sensors and videometric elements, allowing the application of big data and artificial intelligence in the public management of these spaces, which results in improvements in efficiency and greater effectiveness.