GENA-Ecologistas en Acción has submitted formal objections to the Junta's Ministry of Agriculture & Water, demanding the cancellation of the concession for the commercial exploitation of the site's recreational use.

The ecologists believe that the proposed model turns the river into a sort of ‘theme park’ and warns that concerns cannot be limited solely to the riverbed itself, but should also take into account the protected natural area; i.e., its biodiversity.

Their objection to the process interrupts the public-consultation period in which the Junta plans to award a contract to a private company to install a controlled access system as well as maintain the area.

So far the Junta has admitted two business proposals for future management: one from Iniciativas Turísticas Ardales (Travelnatura) and another from Construcciones Sánchez Domínguez-Sando.

In the meantime, the river has been closed since August 2023, which was when the Nerja Town Council shut down public access to the area because of the presence of tourist massification which was detrimental to the fauna and flora, as well as public safety issues – there had been a rise in rescues carried out. as a result of around 3,000 people using it during summer weekends.

The ecologists point to the fact that Río Chíllar is part of the protected nature reserve of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara, & Alhama. They point out that these habitats form part of the Natura 2000 Network and that the area has been a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds since 2003.

Furthermore, Río Chíllar is the only river in the region declared a Nature River Reserve by the Government of Spain, which requires ensuring that uses do not compromise ecological water flows or the rivers flora and fauna.

Finally, there is the fire risk, as the river runs through a wooded canyon and getting people out, especially in the Cahorros area would be difficulut..

As for the two companies that have put in bids for running the river area, Travelnatura offers a campaign from the 1st of May to the 31st of October, with a maximum of 31, 500 people per day, charging them €10 fee and a potential shuttle service.

Sando, on the other hand proposses a compact operational model, access from La Cantera (old quarry), single route to Poza de los Patos, wristbands, insurance, and a €4.90 ticket.

(News: Nerja, Axarquia, Costa del Sol, Malaga, Andalucia)

Keywords: Río Chíllar Controversy, Access, Close, Junta, Ecologists En Accidion, Gena, Natural Reserve, Massification

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