Enhancing Visitor Experience and Environmental Protection in Anaga Rural Park

The Insular Council of Tenerife is taking significant steps to improve traffic management and information systems in Anaga Rural Park, a region renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity. These enhancements aim to streamline visitor access while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

Innovative Control System Enhancements

The Insular Council of Tenerife, through its Department of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, has approved a modification to the existing contract for the “Design, Implementation and Start-up of a Smart and Sustainable Mobility Control System in the Biosphere Reserve of the Anaga Massif.” This initiative, awarded to Kapsch TrafficCom Transportation S.A., will see an expansion in the deployment of mobile control devices throughout the park.

These mobile devices are designed to facilitate temporary counts and mobility studies in areas that currently lack fixed control points. Notable locations include the TF-13 near Punta del Hidalgo and the TF-123 on secondary roads within the Reserve. By providing continuous and real-time data, these devices will play a crucial role in enabling informed decision-making regarding sustainable mobility practices.

Strategic Placement of Information Panels

In conjunction with the mobile devices, a new photovoltaic system will be installed to power an information panel that was initially planned for the TF-11. This panel will now be strategically located at the Mirador de Jardina, a site chosen for its visibility and accessibility to visitors. The panel will serve multiple purposes:

• Inform visitors about available parking at Cruz del Carmen.
• Display real-time congestion levels on the TF-12 before visitors enter the area.
• Offer alternative routes to the TF-143 or other points of interest.
• Assist in reducing unnecessary travel, thereby lowering emissions.

This innovative photovoltaic system will replace the existing electrical grid connection, significantly enhancing the project’s energy efficiency and aligning with broader environmental goals.

Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Blanca Pérez, the Insular Councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, emphasized that these improvements to the smart mobility system reflect the Council’s unwavering commitment to preserving Anaga, a highly sensitive natural area. She highlighted the importance of real-time information and effective technological tools in managing this fragile and frequently visited region.

Pérez further elaborated that this initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at developing a modern model of sustainable mobility across the island. Key components of this strategy include the implementation of photovoltaic systems, the digitization of traffic management, and enhanced access control in environmentally significant locations. These measures are designed to alleviate pressure on the territory, reduce emissions, and promote a greener, more efficient governance model.

Financial Overview of the Initiative

The contract modification entails an increase of €23,237.94, which will be fully funded by Next Generation EU funds associated with the Anaga Tourism Sustainability Plan. This funding is crucial for bolstering traffic control measures, improving access management to key natural sites, and providing more effective information to both residents and visitors.

This modification adheres to all legal requirements, ensuring that it does not alter the essential conditions of the contract or exceed the limits set by public sector contracts law. The increase represents a cumulative 5.4% of the initial contract value, remaining well within legal margins. Additionally, the project complies with the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle, reinforcing the energy transition and sustainability goals.

Vision for Future Smart Mobility

The overarching project aims to achieve several ambitious goals:

• Complete digitalization of mobility within Anaga.
• Accurate counting of vehicles and their types to better understand traffic patterns.
• Creation of a comprehensive origin-destination matrix to analyze visitor flows.
• Advanced analysis and prediction of movement patterns to enhance traffic management.
• Reduction of private traffic and improvement of air quality in the region.
• Establishment of a foundation for a future access regulation system to manage visitor numbers effectively.

With a total investment of €950,000 allocated to sustainable mobility strategies within the Reserve, this modification is entirely financed through Next Generation EU funds, underscoring the commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Anaga Rural Park.

Key points

• The Insular Council of Tenerife is enhancing visitor traffic management in Anaga Rural Park.
• Mobile control devices will be increased for better data collection.
• A photovoltaic system will be installed for an information panel at Mirador de Jardina.
• The project is funded by Next Generation EU funds, totaling €23,237.94.
• Improvements aim to reduce emissions and enhance sustainable mobility.
• The initiative supports the Anaga Tourism Sustainability Plan.
• Real-time data will assist in managing traffic and visitor access effectively.