Sand from Western Sahara Fuels Construction in Tenerife, Sparking Legal Concerns

A recent shipment of sand to the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has ignited controversy, with allegations that the material was illegally extracted from the disputed territory of Western Sahara. The Association for the Monitoring of Natural Resources and the Protection of the Environment in Western Sahara (AREN) has called for an urgent investigation, citing violations of international law and the rights of the Sahrawi people.

The Allegations: A Shipment Under Scrutiny

According to AREN, the cargo ship CKR Zeynep, sailing under the flag of San Marino and linked to Turkish maritime companies Green Marine Ltd, Decamar Shipping & Trading, and HLY Denizcilik Sanayi ve Tic, transported sand from the port of Laayoune in Western Sahara to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The ship’s draft – the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull – reportedly increased significantly during its stopover in Laayoune, suggesting a substantial cargo of sand was loaded. AREN claims the declared draft upon arrival in Tenerife (6.1 meters) was lower than the actual draft observed at the dock (estimated at 6.7 meters), potentially indicating an attempt to conceal the volume of the shipment.

Western Sahara’s Natural Resources and International Law

The controversy centers on the legal status of Western Sahara, a territory claimed by Morocco but whose sovereignty is disputed. The United Nations considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory. AREN argues that the exploitation and commercialization of Western Sahara’s natural resources, including sand, without the consent of the Sahrawi people is a violation of international law and the principle of permanent sovereignty of peoples over their natural resources. This principle, enshrined in international legal frameworks, asserts the right of a people to freely dispose of their own wealth and natural resources.

Destination and Potential Use of the Sand

Preliminary information suggests the sand may be destined for use in construction projects in Tenerife, potentially including reinforcement work on the dike at the port of Los Cristianos and expansion of the river dock in the port of Granadilla. The sand is reportedly being handled by the company YECASA, through its agency Proyecto Dover, for distribution to concrete factories and other clients.

Calls for Investigation and Suspension of Unloading

AREN has formally requested that Spanish authorities and the port authorities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife launch an urgent investigation into the origin of the sand shipment and suspend its unloading until its legality can be verified. The association likewise urges the international community and environmental and human rights organizations to intervene and halt the alleged plundering of Western Sahara’s natural resources.

Previous Concerns and the Dura Bulk Incident

This incident follows the sinking of the Dura Bulk ship off the coast of Western Sahara, which AREN suggests may be linked to similar sand transport operations. The CKR Zeynep is alleged to be continuing operations previously undertaken by the now-sunk Dura Bulk.

Key Takeaways

• A shipment of sand from Western Sahara to Tenerife is under investigation for potential violations of international law.
• AREN alleges the sand was illegally extracted and transported without the consent of the Sahrawi people.
• The controversy highlights the ongoing dispute over the sovereignty of Western Sahara and the exploitation of its natural resources.
• Authorities in Tenerife are facing calls to investigate the shipment and suspend unloading until its legality is confirmed.