Canary Islands Government Finalizes Teide National Park Management Plan

The Government of the Canary Islands has officially approved a draft decree that confirms the Management Plan for Teide National Park. This pivotal decision was made on a Monday, just two days before the expiration of the strategic environmental report, which necessitated an urgent declaration to finalize the processing stages. The announcement regarding the approval was communicated through a governmental statement rather than during the press briefing that followed the Cabinet meeting. This meeting represented the last opportunity to validate the document before the environmental report’s deadline, which was published on December 4, 2021.

Transformative Changes Ahead for Teide National Park

After more than two decades under the previous regulations, the newly approved text aims to initiate a significant transformation in the management of the park. The government has stated that the plan seeks to thoroughly update the regulations concerning the use, planning, and conservation of Teide National Park. This update is designed to create a regulatory framework that reflects the current realities of this natural space, which is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a vital ecological zone.

In addition to updating regulations, the government emphasized that the document incorporates measures intended to balance the conservation of the park with the substantial number of visitors it attracts annually. This includes reinforcing access regulations, promoting the use of public transport, and managing various recreational, sporting, and audiovisual activities within the park. The intention is to ensure that the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Teide National Park are preserved while still accommodating the needs of tourists and locals alike.

Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Protection

The approved plan also emphasizes the necessity for a sustainable mobility strategy, which will outline essential guidelines to be developed and implemented by the Tenerife Council. This strategy is crucial for reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation in the park and will encourage visitors to opt for eco-friendly travel options. Furthermore, the plan introduces specific environmental protection measures aimed at restoring habitats that were impacted by the devastating fire in 2023. These measures are critical for the recovery of local flora and fauna, ensuring that the park can continue to thrive as a biodiversity hotspot.

Scientific Community Voices Concerns

Despite the approval of the management plan, it has faced notable opposition from the scientific community. The final draft received validation from the Teide National Park Board on September 29, but it was met with unfavorable reports from both the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of La Laguna. This indicates a lack of consensus among the three scientific bodies associated with the park, as the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands was the only organization to support the plan.

The negative stance from the CSIC was primarily based on concerns that the new regulations could lead to a decline in conservation efforts. They expressed worries regarding the absence of mechanisms to manage the high volume of visitors, the increased ecological pressure from allowing more sporting events, and the leniency towards beekeeping practices. Votes against the plan were cast by representatives from the Autonomous Organisation of National Parks, the Mountain Federation, tour guides, and various environmental groups, while the park conservator, Manuel Durbán, chose to abstain from voting. This dissent highlights the complexities involved in balancing conservation with public access and recreational use.

Despite the lack of scientific endorsement, the document was ratified by Spain’s National Parks in October, allowing the process to move forward. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to advancing the management of Teide National Park, even in the face of criticism from experts in the field.

Key points

• The Canary Islands Government approved the Management Plan for Teide National Park.
• The approval came just before the expiration of the strategic environmental report.
• The new plan aims to update regulations for the park after 23 years.
• It includes measures to balance conservation with visitor management.
• Concerns were raised by scientific bodies regarding potential negative impacts on conservation.
• The plan mandates the development of a sustainable mobility strategy.
• Despite opposition, the plan was ratified by Spain’s National Parks.