Tenerife Cabildo Secures Environmental Protection Contract for Teide National Park

The Cabildo of Tenerife has recently approved a significant contract aimed at enhancing security and environmental conservation within Teide National Park. This initiative marks a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to preserve one of Spain’s most treasured natural landscapes while ensuring the safety of the thousands of visitors who explore its breathtaking vistas each year.

Investment in Park Safety and Conservation

The initiative, which involves a budget allocation of €3.7 million, is designed to safeguard the park’s natural resources while ensuring the safety of the numerous visitors who frequent the area. The security services will be provided by rural guards and will focus on preventive measures, which are essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of the park.

In addition to the park itself, the contract extends to monitoring several viewpoints situated outside the park boundaries. These locations include Chipeque, Ayosa, Lomo del Retamar, and Los Poleos, which are strategically located along access routes to the park. By extending monitoring efforts to these viewpoints, the Cabildo aims to enhance the overall visitor experience while promoting responsible tourism.

Commitment to Sustainable Practices

Rosa Dávila, the President of the Cabildo, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that protecting Teide National Park is a top priority due to its ecological significance and tourism value. She highlighted the necessity of ensuring visitor safety, particularly given the high volume of tourists the park attracts annually, which can sometimes lead to environmental strain.

Dávila noted that the reinforcement of security and environmental conservation services reflects a strong commitment to the park’s sustainability. The collaboration with specialized rural guards will enhance the ability to respond effectively to emergencies that may pose risks to both visitors and the environment. This proactive approach is vital in a park that is home to unique flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the region.

Objectives of the Security Services

• Protection of natural resources within Teide National Park from illegal activities, such as poaching and vandalism.
• Emergency intervention capabilities for incidents such as accidents or fires, ensuring rapid response to protect both visitors and the park.
• Visitor safety measures to mitigate risks in the park’s complex natural environment, including potential hazards associated with hiking and exploration.
• Sustainability efforts through diligent monitoring and prevention of adverse impacts, fostering a culture of conservation among visitors.

Support for Forest Firefighters

In addition to the environmental contract, the Insular Government has made adjustments to retirement policies for forest firefighters. This change aligns with the new Basic Law for Forest Firefighters, addressing the specific needs of this essential workforce that plays a critical role in safeguarding the island’s natural landscapes.

Rosa Dávila remarked on the importance of recognizing the challenging nature of the work performed by forest firefighters, which is vital for the island’s safety and environmental protection. She stressed that their contributions deserve acknowledgment that reflects the risks and physical demands of their roles, particularly in a region prone to wildfires during the dry season.

Blanca Pérez, the Councillor for Natural Environment, Safety, and Emergency, added that these adjustments will enable firefighters engaged in prevention and firefighting efforts to access early retirement options and extraordinary contributions, as stipulated by updated state regulations. This change is expected to improve the morale and well-being of those who dedicate their lives to protecting the island’s forests.

Pérez underscored the importance of labor justice and institutional responsibility, asserting that those who risk their lives to protect the forests should not have to work under conditions that overlook the toll of their service. The adjustments reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that essential workers are supported and valued for their contributions to the community.

Key points

• The Cabildo of Tenerife has approved a €3.7 million contract for environmental security services in Teide National Park.
• The initiative aims to protect natural resources and ensure visitor safety.
• Monitoring will extend to viewpoints outside the park, including Chipeque and Ayosa.
• Rosa Dávila emphasized the importance of sustainability and emergency response capabilities.
• Adjustments to retirement policies for forest firefighters align with the new Basic Law.
• Forest firefighters will have access to early retirement options and extraordinary contributions.