Canary Islands Government Greenlights Comprehensive Management Strategy for Teide National Park

The Canary Islands Government has made a pivotal decision by officially approving a new Use and Management Plan (PRUG) for Teide National Park. This significant update comes after a lengthy delay of over 23 years, marking a crucial step in the park’s conservation efforts.

Importance of the Newly Approved PRUG

The newly approved management plan is vital for the ongoing conservation and regulation of Teide National Park, which holds the title of the most visited national park in Europe. With over 5 million visitors flocking to its stunning landscapes each year, the park faces unique challenges in balancing tourism with ecological preservation. The approval was granted during a recent Government Council meeting, following a detailed proposal from the Department of Ecological Transition and Energy.

The journey to this approval began in 2020, involving extensive collaboration with the Cabildo of Tenerife and various stakeholders. The aim was to develop a comprehensive and consensus-driven document that effectively addresses the evolving needs for conservation while ensuring public access to this natural treasure.

Highlights of the Updated Management Plan

The new PRUG represents a complete overhaul of the existing regulations governing the management and conservation of the park. This update is the result of a thorough administrative process that included public consultations and favorable environmental assessments, ensuring that the plan is both practical and environmentally sound.

A key focus of the updated plan is the regulation of access to the park. This initiative aims to strike a balance between accommodating the high volume of visitors and protecting the delicate ecosystem. The plan also encourages the use of public transport, promoting sustainable travel options that reduce the environmental footprint of visitors. Additionally, it organizes recreational and sports activities in a manner that prioritizes sustainability.

Another significant component of the new management strategy is the requirement for a sustainable mobility plan. This plan, which is to be developed and implemented by the Cabildo of Tenerife, will include guidelines that are already outlined in the new PRUG. Furthermore, the document addresses the urgent need for specific actions to restore habitats that were impacted by the devastating fire in 2023, underscoring the park’s commitment to ecological recovery.

The updated management plan also revises the authorization system for activities within the park, modernizing the rules regarding permitted and restricted actions. It emphasizes the protection of the park’s natural, geological, and landscape values while incorporating measures to adapt to climate change. These measures are designed to enhance the park’s resilience against extreme weather events, ensuring its longevity and ecological integrity.

A Transformative Era for Teide National Park

The Department of Ecological Transition and Energy is responsible for overseeing the approval of PRUGs for all four national parks in the Canary Islands. The revision of the Teide plan has long been a goal for the regional government, marking a new chapter in the management of this iconic natural landmark. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to modernizing park management practices across the region.

The regional government has emphasized that this new document is the culmination of a collaborative effort, aimed at not only modernizing park management but also ensuring the preservation of Teide National Park for future generations. The approval of the new PRUG is a testament to the importance of stakeholder engagement and public input in the decision-making process, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to conservation and tourism.

Key points

• The Canary Islands Government has approved a new Use and Management Plan (PRUG) for Teide National Park.
• This plan had not been updated for over 23 years, reflecting the need for timely revisions.
• Teide National Park is the most visited national park in Europe, attracting over 5 million visitors annually.
• The approval process commenced in 2020 and involved significant collaboration with the Cabildo of Tenerife.
• The new PRUG includes comprehensive regulations for access, public transport, and recreational activities.
• A sustainable mobility plan is mandated to be developed by the Cabildo of Tenerife to enhance visitor management.
• The plan addresses habitat restoration efforts following the 2023 fire and incorporates essential climate change adaptation measures.