Controversy Erupts Over Exclusion of Environmentalists from Teide National Park Management

The Cabildo of Tenerife has sparked significant controversy following its decision to exclude environmentalists, scientists, and various other stakeholders from the technical committee responsible for overseeing the Management and Use Plan (PRUG) for Teide National Park. This move has raised alarms among advocates for environmental conservation and sustainable management, who argue that such exclusions can lead to detrimental outcomes for one of Spain’s most cherished natural sites.

Impact of Excluding Vital Voices

The decision to leave out key stakeholders is not merely a procedural oversight; it has far-reaching implications for the management of Teide National Park. The absence of environmental advocates, scientists, and academic representatives means that critical insights and expertise are being sidelined. The Socialist Group, a prominent political faction in the region, has been particularly vocal in its opposition to this decision, stressing the importance of a collaborative approach that brings together diverse perspectives in the planning process.

Objectives of the Socialist Group

The Socialist Group has articulated three primary objectives concerning the PRUG. Firstly, they contend that the existing plan lacks the necessary consensus from essential stakeholders, including scientific, social, and environmental communities. This consensus is vital for a site of such significance, recognized as a World Heritage site. Secondly, they advocate for the formulation of a new plan that emphasizes sustainability, capacity control, and technical assurances to protect the park’s unique ecosystem. Lastly, they are pushing for a reform of the institutional structure of the Teide Island Commission, aiming to ensure that all relevant players in park management are included in the decision-making processes.

Serious Concerns About the Current Management Plan

The Socialist Group has expressed profound concerns regarding the current PRUG, which they believe fails to reflect a consensus-driven approach. They have formally rejected the plan that was approved via Decree 182/2025, highlighting its lack of support from critical communities, including scientific, academic, environmental, and climbing organizations. Additionally, they have pointed out that the national park’s conservator, Manuel Durbán, has also not endorsed the current plan, further emphasizing its shortcomings.

Advocacy for a New Management Framework

In light of the prevailing circumstances, the Socialists are calling on the Cabildo of Tenerife to develop and endorse an alternative PRUG that enjoys broad support from various sectors, including social, scientific, and environmental stakeholders. This proposed plan aims to rectify the deficiencies of the existing framework and ensure that all relevant voices are included in the management of the park, thereby fostering a more inclusive and effective governance model.

Proposed Changes to Enhance Participation

In addition to advocating for a new PRUG, the Socialist Group is also proposing modifications to the Follow-Up and Coordination Commission, which was established on October 27. They believe that allowing participation from all political parties represented in the Insular Corporation’s Plenary is crucial for effective governance. By including various groups and associations with vested interests in park management, the commission can better address the diverse needs and concerns of the community.

Critique of Current Governance Practices

Critics of the current governance approach have labeled it as propagandistic, arguing that it undermines the collaborative spirit essential for effective environmental management. The exclusion of key stakeholders raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the decision-making process. Many believe that without the input of environmentalists and scientists, the management of Teide National Park could suffer, potentially leading to adverse effects on its biodiversity and ecological integrity.

Key points

• The Cabildo of Tenerife has excluded environmentalists and scientists from the PRUG technical committee.
• The Socialist Group demands the inclusion of political opposition and stakeholders in the planning process.
• Three objectives have been identified by the Socialists, focusing on sustainability and institutional reform.
• The current PRUG has been criticized for lacking necessary consensus from key communities.
• There is a call for an alternative PRUG that has broad support from various sectors.
• Proposed changes to the Follow-Up and Coordination Commission aim to enhance participation from all political parties.