Teide National Park Management Plan Set to Launch Soon

The Management and Use Plan (PRUG) for Teide National Park in Tenerife is set to take effect in just two weeks. This significant development follows its recent approval by the autonomous government and its publication in the Official Bulletin of the Canary Islands, marking a pivotal moment for the park’s future.

New Framework for Conservation and Management

The primary objective of this new plan is to establish a comprehensive framework that balances the conservation of the park’s rich natural resources with the management of various activities that take place within its expansive boundaries. The Cabildo, the governing body responsible for the park, will initiate the implementation of these regulations in a phased manner. Currently, the Cabildo operates under delegated functions and is awaiting the full transfer of competencies from the regional government, which is expected to be finalized by the end of this year.

Understanding Delegated and Reserved Competencies

The responsibilities of the Cabildo, as outlined in a decree issued in June 2015, encompass the routine administration and management of Teide National Park. This includes a wide range of tasks such as conducting research, performing inspections, and initiating and resolving sanction procedures for any breaches of regulations. However, the Cabildo is still in the process of acquiring the competencies that are reserved for the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. These competencies include critical functions such as legislative planning and the formal approval of the Management and Use Plan, which are essential for the effective governance of the park.

Strengthening Surveillance and Mobility Management

A crucial aspect of the new plan is the enhancement of surveillance and control over the park’s vast 190 square kilometers. To achieve this, the Cabildo has approved a new Job Position Relationship (RPT) that will significantly increase the number of environmental agents from three to 17, contingent upon the transfer decree. This increase is vital for ensuring the park’s ecological integrity and visitor safety.

Effective management of mobility is another key focus, particularly given that the park attracts approximately 5.2 million visitors each year. Currently, access to the park is unrestricted, which poses challenges in managing the flow of visitors. To address this issue, the Cabildo is in the process of developing a comprehensive mobility plan. This plan will include the introduction of shuttle buses and improved public transport options during peak hours, aiming to encourage tourists to utilize these services rather than relying on personal vehicles. Such measures are expected to alleviate congestion and enhance the overall visitor experience.

Regulating Activities and Promoting Environmental Recovery

The new PRUG will also introduce regulations governing recreational, sports, and audiovisual activities within the park. These regulations are designed to ensure that ecosystem conservation remains a top priority, even in the face of high visitor numbers. Specific measures will be implemented to aid in the recovery of habitats that were adversely affected by the recent wildfire in 2023, demonstrating a commitment to restoring the park’s ecological balance.

Furthermore, the plan revises the existing authorization system and updates the regulations concerning permitted and restricted activities. This revision places a strong emphasis on safeguarding the park’s natural, geological, and scenic values. The updated PRUG also incorporates strategies aimed at adapting to climate change, thereby enhancing the park’s resilience against extreme weather events that may threaten its biodiversity and visitor safety.

Leadership and Vision for the Future

The development of this new plan has been spearheaded by Miguel Ángel Morcuende and José Miguel Ruano, with the backing of the Cabildo’s president, Rosa Dávila. Dávila has referred to Teide National Park as the “crown jewel” of Tenerife, underscoring its significance to both the local community and the broader ecological landscape. This updated PRUG replaces the previous version from 2002, modernizing regulations to better align with contemporary environmental realities and challenges. The document has undergone a thorough administrative process, which included public consultations and received favorable environmental and technical assessments, ensuring that it meets the needs of both the park and its visitors.

Key points

• The Management and Use Plan (PRUG) for Teide National Park will be implemented in two weeks.
• The Cabildo is awaiting full transfer of competencies from the regional government.
• The new plan aims to balance conservation with management of park activities.
• Surveillance will be enhanced with an increase in environmental agents from three to 17.
• Mobility control measures are being developed to manage the influx of 5.2 million annual visitors.
• The plan includes regulations for recreational activities and habitat recovery post-wildfire.
• It modernizes regulations to meet current environmental challenges.