Summary
- Approximately 300 residents of Playa Babilonia in Guardamar del Segura protested in Alicante against the demolition of more than 60 historic homes.
- The ministry for the Ecological Transition (Miteco) ordered the demolition based on coastal public domain regulations.
- Residents argue that previous state actions, such as dam construction, contributed to beach erosion and not their homes.
- A new administrative appeal was filed to review evidence allegedly concealed by the governance during legal proceedings.
- The residents demand an urgent meeting with the minister Sara Aagesen to stop demolitions planned from September 15,2025.
- The community is part of the broader movement “Somos Mediterránea,” advocating better coastal governance in Spain.
Playa Babilonia Residents Rally to Stop Historic Home Demolitions
Guardamar del Segura – This morning, around three hundred residents of Playa Babilonia gathered in front of the Goverment Subdelegation in Alicante’s Plaza de la montañeta to voice their opposition to the planned demolition of over 60 century-old homes located on public maritime-terrestrial land. The demolition order was issued by spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco) and is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2025.
Why the Demolition order?
The controversy dates back several years. The affected homes’ concessions on public land expired in 2018, and repeated requests by residents for extensions were denied by the State. The government argues that these buildings have contributed significantly to the regression and erosion of the coastline for over half a century, exacerbated by maritime storms that now also threaten the houses themselves.
According to official sources, demolishing these buildings would restore approximately 600 meters of beach and reconnect the shoreline with the surrounding sand dune systems, promoting better public access and environmental recovery.
Residents Contest the State’s Position
Local residents counter that the ongoing beach erosion is primarily due to State interventions, notably the construction of a breakwater at the mouth of the Segura River in the 1990s as part of flood prevention measures. This infrastructure allegedly altered sediment flow critical to nourishing Playa Babilonia naturally, a factor they say was overlooked in judicial decisions and environmental assessments by Miteco.
Latest Developments: New Administrative Appeal & Demands
- Protests & March: the group’s mobilizations included a coastal march from Guardamar to Alicante, highlighting community solidarity and determination.
- Administrative Appeal: A last-minute administrative appeal was filed on August 20,2025,aiming to revisit omitted technical documents and evidence about the concession issue.
- meeting Request: Residents formally requested a meeting with Minister Sara Aagesen and Secretary of State Hugo Morán before the demolition deadline.
- Legal strategy: depending on the administrative response, further legal action, including requests for precautionary suspension of demolitions, may be pursued.
the Cultural and Historical Significance of Playa Babilonia
The area’s homes are more than just buildings; they represent a multigenerational way of life dating back over five or six generations.Manny families see these properties as a vital part of the community’s identity and heritage, intertwined with the natural surroundings and managed historically under public concession since 1934.
Broader Impact: The “Somos Mediterránea” Movement
Playa Babilonia’s case is not isolated.The residents’ association is part of “Somos Mediterránea,” a growing alliance of over 54 associations across Spain, including regions like the Canary Islands, Andalusia, Murcia, Valencian Community, and Balearic Islands. This civic movement advocates for sustainable,inclusive coastal management policies that balance environmental protection with the rights of local coastal communities.
What’s Next for playa Babilonia?
the residents urge the Ministry for Ecological Transition to adopt integrated, community-sensitive solutions that preserve both Spain’s natural coastline and its human heritage. With demolition set for mid-September, this situation remains tense and closely watched by coastal communities nationwide.
| Key Dates | Event |
|---|---|
| 2018 | original housing concession expired |
| August 20, 2025 | New administrative appeal filed |
| September 15, 2025 | Scheduled start of demolitions |
How You Can Stay informed
- Follow updates on the ongoing legal process and community appeals.
- Monitor local government and Miteco announcements regarding coastal management.
- Support sustainable coastal policies that respect both nature and heritage.
Your understanding and support can help ensure that Spain’s coasts are managed responsibly and inclusively.
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