Costa Quebrada Association

The Costa Quebrada Association

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The identity of Costa Quebrada has been shaped over decades through the dedication and commitment of many people. What began as a collection of individual ideas and personal initiatives gradually developed into a shared vision for the future of an exceptional stretch of coastline.

The Costa Quebrada Association emerged in the early 2000s as a citizen-led initiative promoted by Jesús Mojas. Captivated by the coastal landscapes of Cantabria, he launched a series of environmental awareness activities. He was soon joined by geologist Antonio Cendrero, who helped explain and highlight the geological uniqueness of a landscape they both deeply admired.

A defining moment in the Association’s history came in 2002, in the aftermath of the Prestige oil spill. Local volunteers came together to clean the beaches, strengthening a collective sense of responsibility and reinforcing the commitment to protecting the coastline.

Over time, the original volunteer group evolved into a professional organisation. Its first headquarters were established in municipal facilities provided by local councils, including the RADA building in 2007. Later, in 2018, the Association opened a tourism office and an environmental education centre in Soto de la Marina. The Association has structured its work around strategic lines that include participation, education, awareness-raising, inclusion, research, conservation, outreach and tourism.

In 2025, after years of collaboration with local institutions and the University of Cantabria, the Costa Quebrada Association achieved official recognition from UNESCO, naming Costa Quebrada a Global Geopark and highlighting both its unique geological heritage and the community’s commitment to its preservation.