Concerns Rise as Teide National Park Faces New Management Plan

The recent implementation of a new management plan for Teide National Park has sparked significant controversy among environmentalists and local stakeholders. The plan, which aims to regulate the use and conservation of the park, has been met with fierce opposition from various groups who fear it may compromise the ecological integrity of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Environmental Group Voices Alarm Over New Regulations

The Tenerife Association of Friends of Nature, commonly referred to as ATAN, has expressed strong disapproval of the newly introduced Management and Use Plan (PRUG). They argue that the plan has effectively transformed the national park into a “theme park,” prioritizing tourism and commercial interests over essential conservation efforts. ATAN emphasizes that while the plan explicitly states that entry fees cannot be charged for park access, there is a troubling trend of misinformation being propagated by some politicians regarding this issue. They clarify that fees may only be applied for specific services provided within the park, not for general entry.

In a recent statement, ATAN highlighted the contentious nature of the voting process for the plan. Representatives from conservation groups, the Autonomous Organisation of National Parks, and other stakeholders voiced their opposition during discussions. Notably, the park director abstained from voting, which many interpret as a sign of concern regarding the plan’s potential impact on the park’s ecological values. ATAN noted that many counterarguments presented during the meeting were met with silence, raising further concerns about the transparency and integrity of the decision-making process.

Regulatory Changes Raise Environmental Concerns

ATAN has pointed out that the newly approved plan permits activities that were previously considered detrimental to conservation efforts. Events such as the Blue Trail races and the Tour of Tenerife, which attract large crowds and can disrupt sensitive ecological areas, are now allowed. Additionally, cycling has been authorized on several paths, including routes in Arico El Viejo and Montaña Limón, raising alarms about the potential for increased environmental degradation.

Moreover, the cable car service is now permitted to extend its operations, including the introduction of catering services and retail options. This expansion is particularly concerning given that the cable car previously operated outside legal boundaries. Critics argue that such commercialization could significantly impact the park’s natural environment, undermining the very essence of what makes Teide National Park a protected area.

Public Safety and Environmental Integrity at Risk

ATAN has raised alarms about public safety, particularly regarding the authorization of buses to park along access roads. This practice poses risks of rockfalls and significant landscape disruption, which could endanger visitors and wildlife alike. Furthermore, the organization has criticized the increase in filming permits for both fiction and advertising, suggesting that this could further commercialize the park and detract from its natural beauty.

The management plan has also faced criticism for its lack of effective measures to control invasive species, such as the honey bee and mouflon. Despite a long-standing mandate to eradicate the mouflon from Tenerife, the new plan extends the timeline for this action by an additional five years. The timeline for controlling the European rabbit, which negatively affects local flora, remains unspecified, raising serious concerns about the park’s ecological health and the long-term viability of its native species.

ATAN has expressed skepticism about the proposed visitor management strategies, describing them as vague and lacking a clear implementation timeline. The organization argues that the current tourism model encourages unchecked visitor growth, particularly at Teide, which is a major attraction. Furthermore, they find it perplexing that no minimum standards for park surveillance have been established, despite repeated calls from environmental groups for such measures to ensure the park’s protection.

In light of these developments, ATAN has indicated that legal experts are considering challenging the new management plan in court. They assert that the PRUG violates the fundamental objectives of national park preservation, and they remain committed to preventing Teide from becoming a mere theme park. The organization is determined to advocate for the park’s ecological integrity and to ensure that its natural beauty is preserved for future generations.

Key points

• The new Management and Use Plan (PRUG) for Teide National Park has been criticized for neglecting conservation.
• ATAN claims the plan allows activities that were previously banned due to their negative environmental impact.
• Concerns have been raised about public safety due to increased bus parking along access roads.
• The plan extends timelines for eradicating invasive species like the mouflon, which has been mandated since 1984.
• Visitor management strategies in the plan lack specificity and a clear timeline for execution.
• Legal action may be pursued against the PRUG for violating national park objectives.