Teide National Park’s New Management Plan Receives Official Endorsement

In a significant development for environmental management, the Board of Trustees for Teide National Park has granted its official approval to a new Use and Management Plan (PRUG). This marks the first major update in two decades, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the park’s sustainability and visitor experience.

The new plan has been the result of extensive revisions and collaborative efforts spanning over three years, involving the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo of Tenerife. As the second most visited national park in the world, Teide National Park attracts millions of visitors each year, making effective management crucial to preserving its natural beauty and ecological integrity. The approval of the PRUG comes at a time when discussions about the overcrowding of natural spaces are increasingly urgent, highlighting the need for proactive measures.

Innovative Strategies for Visitor Management

During a recent board meeting, members reviewed the proposed PRUG, which has garnered a positive assessment from the Department of Ecological Transition and Energy. This regulatory body, responsible for overseeing the park’s management and conservation efforts, emphasized several innovative strategies included in the plan. One of the most notable features is the implementation of access control mechanisms aimed at managing visitor flow effectively. These measures are designed to ensure that the park can accommodate its visitors without compromising the natural environment.

In addition to access control, the PRUG promotes the use of public transport as a means to alleviate congestion during peak visitation periods. By encouraging visitors to utilize public transport options, the park aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with private vehicle use, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience while protecting the park’s delicate ecosystems.

Furthermore, the PRUG will establish regulations governing sporting activities and special events within the park. These regulations are intended to balance recreational opportunities with conservation efforts, ensuring that the park remains a place of natural beauty and ecological significance. The plan also includes strategies for adapting to climate change, recognizing the urgent need to address environmental challenges that threaten the park’s biodiversity.

Pathway to Final Approval

While the board’s endorsement of the PRUG is a significant milestone, it is important to note that the approval process is not yet complete. The plan will now enter further phases of review and administrative validation. This step is crucial to ensure that the PRUG meets all necessary legal and technical requirements before it can be fully implemented.

Once these reviews are completed, the positive report will be forwarded to the Council of the Network of Parks, an advisory body linked to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. This council will conduct its own assessment of the plan, providing additional oversight before the PRUG is submitted for final approval by the Governing Council of the regional executive. This multi-layered approval process underscores the importance of thorough evaluation in the management of such a significant natural resource.

The collaborative effort behind the PRUG reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable practices in managing natural parks. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change and increasing visitor numbers, the strategies outlined in the PRUG could serve as a model for other national parks facing similar challenges.

Key points

• The new Use and Management Plan (PRUG) for Teide National Park has been approved after 20 years since the last version.
• The plan was developed by the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo of Tenerife.
• Teide National Park is the second most visited national park in the world.
• New measures will include access control and promotion of public transport to manage visitor numbers.
• The PRUG will also regulate sporting activities and special events.
• Further review and validation phases are required before final approval.