PSOE Voices Strong Opposition to Teide National Park Management Plan Amid Overcrowding Fears

The PSOE party in Tenerife has expressed serious concerns regarding the Management and Use Plan for the Teide National Park, primarily focusing on its inadequacies in addressing the critical issue of overcrowding in this popular natural reserve.

PSOE Leadership Highlights Major Shortcomings

Tamara Raya, the secretary general of PSOE in Tenerife, has taken a firm stance against the proposed management plan, arguing that it fails to adequately confront the pressing issue of overcrowding in Teide National Park, which stands as the most frequented protected area in the Canary Islands. In her critique, Raya pointed out that the plan overlooks essential environmental challenges, particularly the management of invasive species such as mouflons, rabbits, and wild cats, which pose a significant threat to the park’s ecosystem.

Raya stressed the importance of collaboration with environmental organizations, the scientific community, and the Mountain Federation in the planning process. She noted that these stakeholders had previously voiced their disapproval of the current document, underscoring the need for a more inclusive approach to park management that prioritizes ecological integrity.

Critical Flaws in the Proposed Management Strategy

Expanding on the reasons behind PSOE’s rejection of the plan, Raya highlighted that it does not sufficiently address the primary challenges facing Teide National Park. A report from the Higher Council for Scientific Research has indicated that the proposed regulations lack essential conservation measures and fail to acknowledge the reality of a park that attracts over five million visitors each year. Critics have pointed out that the plan’s inaction against invasive species and its reduction in funding for research initiatives are particularly concerning, as these factors are crucial for the park’s long-term sustainability.

The overwhelming visitor numbers have raised alarms about the park’s ability to maintain its natural beauty and ecological balance. The PSOE argues that without a robust strategy to manage visitor impact and invasive species, the park’s unique environment could be irreparably harmed.

Financial Cuts and Their Consequences

In addition to environmental issues, Raya has raised alarms about the financial implications of the management plan. She accused the governing coalition of CC-PP of significantly reducing the budget allocated for the park’s conservation efforts. For the year 2026, the budget is projected to be over €9.8 million, which marks a decrease of €237,000, or 2.35%, from the previous year. This reduction is particularly troubling given that the Cabildo had previously allocated less than €10.1 million for the current year, indicating a trend of diminishing financial support for conservation.

Moreover, other socialist representatives have highlighted that the budget for the Natural Environment sector of the Islander Corporation has been slashed by €2.45 million, falling from €75.42 million to €72.97 million. This budget cut occurs despite the corporation receiving an additional €4.8 million from forest cent tax revenue, raising serious concerns about the adequacy of funding for forest and environmental management on the island, including crucial efforts related to Teide National Park.

Ignoring Climate Change: A Missed Opportunity

Raya further emphasized that the proposed management plan fails to take into account the significant impacts of climate change, which is increasingly affecting the park’s delicate ecosystem. She stated that the PSOE aligns itself with various advocacy groups calling for a comprehensive review of the management plan to ensure that it adequately addresses the environmental challenges posed by climate change. The absence of a climate-conscious approach in the plan is seen as a critical oversight that could have long-term repercussions for the park’s biodiversity and overall health.

As climate change continues to reshape ecosystems worldwide, the need for adaptive management strategies that consider these changes is more pressing than ever. The PSOE’s call for a reevaluation of the management plan reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of environmental stewardship and climate resilience.

Key points

• PSOE in Tenerife rejects the Management and Use Plan for Teide National Park due to overcrowding issues.
• Tamara Raya emphasized the lack of involvement from environmental groups and the scientific community in the planning process.
• The plan has been criticized for failing to address invasive species and reducing conservation measures.
• The budget for the park’s conservation has been cut by €237,000 for 2026.
• Overall funding for the Natural Environment area has decreased by €2.45 million despite additional tax revenue.
• The impacts of climate change were not considered in the proposed management plan.