Canary Islands Government to Customize Civil Protection Legislation for Each Island

The Government of the Canary Islands is embarking on a significant initiative to create a new Civil Protection System Law tailored to meet the unique needs of each island within the archipelago. This ambitious project aims to enhance the region’s emergency response capabilities and ensure that local conditions and challenges are adequately addressed.

This announcement was made by Fernando Figuereo, the Director General of Emergencies, during a working session held in Candelaria, Tenerife. The session brought together a diverse group of professionals from the security and emergency sectors, highlighting the collaborative effort required to develop effective legislation.

Involving Key Stakeholders in Legislative Development

The recent meeting in Candelaria was part of a broader participatory process designed to gather valuable input for the drafting of the new law. Mari Brito, who serves as both the president of the Canary Federation of Municipalities (Fecam) and the Mayor of Candelaria, was present at the session. She underscored the importance of achieving consensus among all stakeholders involved in the process. This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring that the new legislation reflects the needs and perspectives of various communities across the islands.

By engaging local authorities, emergency services, and community representatives, the Canary Islands Government aims to create a comprehensive legal framework that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future risks. This inclusive strategy is expected to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among all parties involved, ultimately leading to a more effective civil protection system.

Framework and Objectives of the Proposed Legislation

Fernando Figuereo elaborated on the goals of the new legislative proposal, emphasizing the need for it to accurately reflect the insights and recommendations from a wide range of stakeholders within the emergency and civil protection landscape of the Canary Islands. This includes input from municipal, insular, regional, and state administrations, ensuring that the law is well-rounded and comprehensive.

The forthcoming legislation, which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Territorial Politics, Territorial Cohesion, and Water, aims to significantly enhance the regional emergency response system. It will be designed to align with both national and European regulations, ensuring compliance while also addressing emerging risks associated with climate change. The unique geological characteristics of the Canary Islands, particularly their volcanic nature, will be a critical consideration in the law’s development. Furthermore, the legislation will incorporate recent technological advancements that can improve emergency response and management.

Future Steps and Implementation Strategies

The participatory process has already been initiated across several islands, including Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma, and Tenerife. These discussions have proven fruitful, and further consultations are scheduled to take place in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura next week. As the drafting of the new regulations continues, the Canary Islands Government is taking proactive measures to support this initiative and ensure its successful implementation.

One of the most significant steps in this direction is the establishment of the Canary Islands Emergency Agency, which has recently received approval from the regional Parliament. This agency is expected to play a pivotal role in coordinating emergency response efforts across the islands. To facilitate its operations, an initial budget of €500,000 has been allocated for the agency’s activities in the year 2026, signaling a strong commitment to enhancing civil protection in the region.

As the Canary Islands Government moves forward with this important initiative, the focus remains on creating a robust and adaptable civil protection system that can effectively respond to the diverse challenges faced by each island. By prioritizing stakeholder engagement and aligning with regulatory frameworks, the government aims to build a safer and more resilient future for all residents of the Canary Islands.

Key points

• The Canary Islands Government is developing a new Civil Protection System Law.
• Fernando Figuereo announced the initiative during a session in Candelaria, Tenerife.
• The law aims to address the specific needs of each island in the archipelago.
• Stakeholder engagement is a crucial part of the law-making process.
• The law will align with national and European regulations and consider climate change risks.
• The Canary Islands Emergency Agency is set to be established with a budget of €500,000 for 2026.