Heritage Sites in Tenerife Face Serious Threat from Quarry Activities

The Imanastanen collective has sounded the alarm regarding the potential dangers posed to numerous heritage sites in Tenerife due to the planned reactivation of the Chimiche quarry, which has remained dormant since 1995. This situation has raised significant concerns among local communities and heritage advocates alike.

Heritage Assets at Risk

The Imanastanen collective has identified that the vicinity surrounding the “Las Cármenes” quarry, along with the proposed transportation route for aggregates destined for a cement factory, is home to at least 45 heritage assets. These sites, which hold cultural and historical significance, could be severely impacted by the quarry’s operations. The collective has formally communicated these concerns to the Heritage Department of Granadilla Town Hall. However, the Town Hall has responded by stating that it lacks jurisdiction over industrial matters, asserting that such issues fall under the purview of the Canary Islands Government.

Imanastanen is calling for immediate protective measures to be implemented to safeguard these threatened sites. The collective has been vocal in criticizing the Granadilla council for its perceived inaction, emphasizing that the responsibility for the signage, cataloguing, and protection of archaeological and ethnographic sites lies with local municipalities. This lack of action has raised questions about the commitment of local authorities to preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Governance Challenges and Accountability

The collective has expressed frustration regarding the responses they have received from various councils when they raised concerns about the preservation of indigenous archaeological heritage. Many councils have claimed they are unable to take action due to overwhelmed technical staff and a lack of sufficient coordination capabilities. This bureaucratic inertia has left many heritage sites vulnerable to potential destruction.

Compounding the issue is the fact that the land in question is owned by the Camper business group, a conglomerate involved in real estate, construction, and other sectors, including quarrying and cement production. This ownership raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the prioritization of profit over the preservation of cultural heritage.

Community Voices and Health Implications

Local residents have expressed strong opposition to the reactivation of the quarry, voicing their concerns about health and well-being. They have highlighted issues such as airborne dust, noise pollution, vibrations, and increased truck traffic as significant threats to their quality of life. These concerns have previously led to delays in the renewal of the quarry’s operating license, which was ultimately granted an extension in 2023 by the General Directorate of Industry of the Canary Islands Government.

Moreover, since 2022, the quarry and its surrounding area have been recognized as a geological element of interest. Specifically, it has been identified as the Pleistocene Sialic Pyroclasts of the Granadilla Member of the Guajara Formation of the Southern Bands, according to the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME). This designation underscores the area’s geological significance and further emphasizes the need for protective measures. The Imanastanen collective has communicated this situation to the Heritage Department of the Tenerife Cabildo, urging for prompt action to catalog all values present in the threatened area.

The collective’s desire for immediate action to protect these vital heritage sites reflects a broader concern for the preservation of Tenerife’s cultural and historical identity. As the quarry’s reactivation looms, the stakes are high for both the local community and the heritage assets that define the region.

Key points

• The Imanastanen collective warns of risks to 45 heritage sites in Tenerife due to the Chimiche quarry’s reactivation.
• The quarry has been closed since 1995, but operations may resume, threatening local heritage.
• The Granadilla Town Hall claims it lacks jurisdiction over industrial matters, placing responsibility on the Canary Islands Government.
• Local councils have been criticized for their inaction regarding the protection of archaeological sites.
• Residents are concerned about health risks associated with quarry operations, including dust and noise pollution.
• The quarry area has been recognized as a geological element of interest since 2022.
• The Imanastanen collective is calling for urgent protective measures for the threatened heritage assets.