Futuro de Maro – David versus Goliath!

A protected cultural landscape in Andalusia is in acute danger.

From January 2026 onward, the clearing of hundreds of hectares of agricultural land is imminent. Affected are around 400 small-scale farmers (campesinos), their families, and a centuries-old cultural landscape.

We defend Maro – legally, transparently, and peacefully.

One of the last authentic villages in Andalusia is under threat

A centuries-old cultural landscape, currently cultivated by approximately 400 campesinos, is facing destruction. Among them are numerous permaculture and organically farmed holdings, some with organic certification and others where no toxins are used – which in this protected area would in any case only be permitted under special conditions.
Only on 2 December 2025 were the tenants unexpectedly confronted with the decision of a large landowner.

This is why we must act now – quickly, publicly effective, and on a sound legal basis.
That is exactly why we need your support.

Maro is not only one of the last authentic villages on the Costa del Sol.
It lies in an exceptionally mild climate zone in which Mediterranean and subtropical vegetation merge.
This special microclimate enables a species-rich landscape with high biodiversity and a diverse, traditionally and ecologically sustainable agriculture.
This makes Maro one of the last exceptional cultural landscapes of continental Europe.
For centuries, the campesinos have cultivated the Huertas de Maro largely by hand.
The water reaches the fields via a Moorish canal system from the Middle Ages. This acequia is one of the oldest historical irrigation systems in Spain still in operation, and would be wholly or partially destroyed or permanently impaired by an investor project.
Thousands of fruit trees would fall victim to machinery – their fruit is sold internationally due to its quality.
The avocados from Maro are among the best in the world. The first sweet potatoes in Europe were cultivated in Maro. “Verano Azul” was filmed predominantly in the campos of Maro.
The campos are located on and within cliffs, whose terraces were in part laid out with dry-stone walls built centuries ago.
In the immediate vicinity is the Cueva de Nerja, which belongs to the region of Maro. Large parts of the cliffs are interlaced with caves above and below water.
This landscape is unique.
It shapes identity.

For all of us, this is about our homeland, our work, and our future – and for many also about our home with an officially registered residence. You can help us.

• The landscape of Maro is legally protected under the PGOU, SNU-Status, and further protection categories.

  Nevertheless, around 400 campesinos are to vacate hundreds of hectares of land – at short notice, without transition periods, without completed administrative procedures, and without legally binding decisions.

  Because a large landowner is attempting to turn a protected cultural landscape and its traditional agriculture into a speculative project.

  We must not allow this. Donate now or help.

• A cultural landscape with traces reaching back to the Middle Ages
• Traditions that scarcely exist today
• High ecological significance and biodiversity
• Families who have lived here for generations
• A unique landscape of terraces and caves
• Proximity to especially protected natural and cultural areas

Maro is not just a place.
Maro is culture, nature, and history. – Maro is alive and precious.
Please help us preserve this valuable heritage.

The PGOU von Nerja makes it clear:

1. Maro is a strictly protected area (SNU)
   No urbanization, no large-scale tourism projects, no transformation.
2. Traditional agriculture is explicitly to be preserved
   It is an integral part of the protected cultural heritage.
3. Landscape and identity are under protection
   Terraces, irrigation systems, casetas, and historical structures are worthy of preservation.
4. Evictions without administrative procedures are unlawful
   There are no legally binding decisions or completed procedures.

From this it follows:
Under applicable law, the campesinos may not be displaced.
Donate now or help.

We organize ourselves.
We collect evidence.
We analyze the overall situation.
We develop strategies.
We support those affected first.
We prepare legal action.
We inform the public.
We create transparency.
We give Maro a voice.
We stand together as a strong community with a clear goal.
And we need your support, now.

• A competent team of lawyers for administrative, environmental, and agricultural law
• effective public relations

Support Futuro de Maro

Donate
For legal action and public awareness.
Every contribution goes exclusively toward legal protection and public relations.

Get involved
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Thank you for your support of Futuro de Maro – David versus Goliath.
A warm welcome.