Collective Efforts Essential for Shaping the Future of the Canary Islands
The I Congress on Demographic Challenge and Territorial Cohesion of the Canary Islands commenced in Gáldar, highlighting the need for collaborative strategies to address pressing issues.
Urgent Call for Collective Strategies
During the opening session, regional president Fernando Clavijo emphasized the importance of a united approach to defining the future of the Canary Islands. He called upon various stakeholders, including institutions, universities, and civil society, to work together in crafting a vision for the archipelago. Clavijo pointed out the necessity of developing coherent solutions that ensure equitable and sustainable growth across all regions, allowing every resident of the islands to have equal opportunities, irrespective of their location.
Clavijo also addressed the demographic challenges facing the islands, stressing the need for a flexible strategy tailored to the unique circumstances of each municipality. He noted that 47 municipalities are at risk of either depopulation or stagnation, with an average population density of only 90 inhabitants per square kilometer. Conversely, 23 municipalities are experiencing severe overcrowding, with densities approaching 500 inhabitants per square kilometer. To tackle these contrasting situations, he advocated for differentiated solutions that address issues such as housing, services, and mobility.
Addressing Key Challenges
The congress featured technical sessions focused on critical issues affecting the region, including housing, mobility, migration, youth, and the rural economy. In discussions about housing, Professor Francisco José Villar raised concerns regarding regulatory barriers that hinder construction efforts. Meanwhile, Ainhoa Amaro highlighted the urgent need for improved housing access for young people. Additionally, Fernando Rodríguez García from Provivienda introduced an innovative intergenerational housing project aimed at supporting both youth independence and the living conditions of elderly individuals.
Migration was another significant topic of discussion. Coordinator Laura Segura Escobar pointed out that over 22% of the population in the Canary Islands is of foreign origin, which has contributed to mitigating the declining birth rate but necessitates effective integration policies. Sociologist Javier Águila emphasized that simply limiting migration to urban areas is not enough; it is crucial to create conditions that encourage young people to remain in their hometowns.
Mobility and Transport Initiatives
Mobility emerged as a central theme at the congress. María Fernández, the Director General of Transport for the Canary Islands, presented a comprehensive 360º Strategy that includes the upcoming Sustainable Mobility Law, enhancements to train services on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, free transportation for residents, and pilot demand-responsive transport initiatives in rural regions. María Eulalia García, the Mobility Councillor for the Tenerife Cabildo, shared that their pilot TAD model has successfully transported 12,000 passengers within six months in the Arico-Fasnia-Güímar area, with plans for further expansion in 2026.
Support for the congress’s objectives was voiced by Casimiro Curbelo, president of the Gomera Cabildo, who advocated for long-term planning and policies tailored to the specific needs of each island and municipality. He underscored the importance of fostering a unique “demographic culture” through legislative and fiscal measures aimed at strengthening rural areas.
Importance of Local Engagement
Mari Brito, president of the Canary Islands Federation of Municipalities (Fecam), commended the initiative to address the demographic challenge and highlighted the necessity of local participation. She stated that incorporating local perspectives is vital for providing effective solutions to the diverse needs of the archipelago. Gáldar’s mayor, Teodoro Sosa, described the demographic challenge as one of the most pressing issues of the coming decades, asserting that only through courageous dialogue and unity can effective solutions be achieved.
The congress also featured insights from national experts, including Diego Ramiro Fariñas from CSIC, who warned about the rapid aging of Spain’s population and the need for differentiated policies for urban and rural areas. Additionally, Xabier Legarreta, the Basque Deputy Counsellor, framed the demographic challenge as an opportunity for social transformation, emphasizing the role of youth as catalysts for change.
Held at the Guaires Cultural Centre in Gáldar, the event aims to establish a roadmap for the Canary Islands that promotes balanced, sustainable, and inclusive development by integrating institutional, technical, and citizen perspectives.
Key points
- Fernando Clavijo called for collective action to define the future of the Canary Islands.
- 47 municipalities face risks of depopulation or stagnation, while 23 are overcrowded.
- Housing access for young people is a critical issue addressed at the congress.
- Over 22% of the archipelago’s population is of foreign origin, necessitating integration policies.
- A comprehensive mobility strategy was presented, including free transportation for residents.
- Local participation is crucial for effective solutions to demographic challenges.
- The congress aims to create a roadmap for sustainable development in the Canary Islands.
