Massive Public Outcry Against ‘Underwater Gardens’ Project in Tenerife

In a remarkable display of civic engagement, over 60,000 individuals have united to demand the cancellation of the controversial ‘Underwater Gardens’ tourist initiative proposed for the Guía de Isora coastline in southwest Tenerife. This grassroots movement reflects a growing concern among residents and environmentalists regarding the potential impact of large-scale tourism projects on the delicate ecosystems of the Canary Islands.

Public Opposition and Environmental Concerns

The petition, spearheaded by the coalition known as Salvar Punta Blanca, comprises more than 30 organizations dedicated to environmental, community, cultural, and sports issues. This diverse coalition has accused the project’s promoters of engaging in greenwashing, a practice where companies or initiatives falsely present themselves as environmentally friendly. The coalition insists on the need for genuine protection of the coastline, arguing that the proposed project undermines the very principles of sustainability.

Hosted on WeMove Europe, the online petition targets key figures including Rosa Dávila, the President of the Cabildo de Tenerife, developer Marc García-Durán, and various European authorities. Petitioners are calling for an immediate halt to what they label a false ecological project, which they argue poses a significant threat to one of the most sensitive environmental areas in Tenerife. The overwhelming response from the public highlights the urgency of the situation and the widespread discontent with the proposed initiative.

Project Details and Environmental Impact

According to Salvar Punta Blanca, the proposed Underwater Gardens Park would span over 10.6 hectares in a protected coastal zone, with additional underwater structures planned within the Zona de Especial Conservación (ZEC) Franja Marina de Teno-Rasca. This area is particularly significant as it is recognized as the only official whale sanctuary in the European Union, making the potential impact of the project even more alarming.

Activists contend that the project is misrepresented as a marine regeneration effort while it is, in reality, a large-scale tourist development that contradicts ongoing environmental conservation efforts. They predict that the initiative could attract more than 3,000 visitors daily, which would lead to the privatization of public coastal areas. This influx of tourists is expected to exacerbate the ecological and social repercussions of mass tourism, which has already strained the natural resources of the region.

Environmental advocates have raised serious concerns about the implications of such a project, especially in light of a recent report from Greenpeace. The report warns of a critical situation in the archipelago, where climate change, erosion, and urban expansion are accelerating the degradation of beaches and natural habitats. The potential for the Underwater Gardens project to further contribute to these issues has galvanized opposition from various sectors of society.

Community Action and Demands

The campaign against the Underwater Gardens project has garnered support from a wide array of organizations, including Greenpeace, ATAN, local surf clubs like Wave Legends, and numerous neighborhood associations. Together, these groups have lodged formal objections, organized public demonstrations, and amassed tens of thousands of signatures to amplify their demands to the authorities. This collective action underscores the community’s commitment to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Canary Islands.

Spokespersons for the campaign have pledged to persist in their efforts until the project is permanently abandoned, labeling it an act of ecocide that undermines sustainability principles. They argue that the coastline of the Canary Islands is already suffering from overdevelopment, and the introduction of another large-scale tourist initiative would only exacerbate existing problems.

In light of these concerns, Salvar Punta Blanca has articulated three primary demands: the immediate cancellation of the project by Marc García-Durán, a formal commitment from the Cabildo de Tenerife to obstruct the initiative through unfavorable environmental reports, and the establishment of effective measures for coastal protection and marine conservation. These demands reflect a desire for a more sustainable approach to tourism that prioritizes the health of the environment over short-term economic gains.

The growing controversy surrounding the Underwater Gardens project has emerged as one of the most significant environmental discussions in the Canary Islands in recent years. As the movement continues to gain momentum, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community engagement in the fight for environmental justice and the preservation of natural resources.

Key points

• Over 60,000 signatures collected against the Underwater Gardens project in Tenerife.
• Salvar Punta Blanca leads the campaign, comprising over 30 organizations.
• The project threatens a protected coastal zone and the EU’s only recognized whale sanctuary.
• Activists accuse the initiative of being a case of greenwashing.
• Concerns raised about the ecological impact of mass tourism on the Canary Islands.
• Demands include project cancellation and enhanced coastal protection measures.