Tenerife’s Cabildo Unveils Ambitious Conservation Project for African Turtles and Seabirds

The Cabildo of Tenerife has embarked on a groundbreaking conservation initiative aimed at safeguarding turtles and seabirds across Africa. This project represents a significant step forward in the global effort to protect vulnerable wildlife and their habitats.

Details of the Conservation Initiative

On December 2, the Cabildo of Tenerife, through its Insular Area of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, announced its participation in the ‘RedCentros’ project. This innovative initiative is designed to develop comprehensive strategies for the protection, conservation, and rehabilitation of wildlife, with a particular focus on turtles and marine birds, as well as the vital ecosystems they inhabit, especially the oceans.

The RedCentros program is part of the European Interreg MAC 2021-2027 initiative, encompassing six African nations: Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Côte d’Ivoire. The primary objective of this project is to enhance awareness, provide essential training, and empower local communities to take an active role in protecting wildlife and marine environments. By fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship among local populations, the project aims to create a sustainable future for these species.

Financial Commitment and Technical Expertise

The Tenerife Cabildo has pledged a substantial sum of €55,000 to support this vital initiative, which includes offering specialized technical guidance. This financial backing is part of a larger collaborative effort led by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria in partnership with the public company Gesplan, as indicated by the corporation.

Blanca Pérez, the Councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, underscored the significance of this initiative, describing it as a profound commitment to wildlife conservation that promotes collaboration among various countries and communities. She expressed the Cabildo’s eagerness to engage with any interested parties to develop joint plans and programs, emphasizing that the RedCentros project serves as a prime example of such international cooperation.

Engaging Local Communities and Future Aspirations

To further the objectives of the project, the Cabildo has organized a series of awareness activities. These include technical visits led by veterinarians from the Wildlife Recovery Centre of La Tahonilla in La Laguna. These initiatives have featured open forums dedicated to discussing marine turtle conservation, training sessions on rescue and rehabilitation techniques, and workshops focused on managing environmental pollutants such as plastics and hydrocarbons.

Looking to the future, the Cabildo of Tenerife has ambitious plans to establish a transnational network of wildlife recovery centers, contingent on the project’s success. In 2026, technicians from the participating African countries are expected to visit the Wildlife Recovery Centres in Tahonilla (Tenerife) and Tafira (Gran Canaria). Resources will be allocated to enhance these facilities, transforming them into green infrastructures that will serve dual purposes: as centers for environmental education and as hubs for promoting sustainable tourism.

This forward-thinking approach not only aims to improve the immediate conditions for wildlife recovery but also seeks to create long-term benefits for local communities through eco-tourism and education. By integrating conservation efforts with community development, the Cabildo hopes to foster a culture of environmental stewardship that will benefit both people and wildlife.

Key points

• The Cabildo of Tenerife has launched the ‘RedCentros’ project for wildlife conservation in Africa.
• This initiative focuses on protecting turtles and marine birds across six African countries.
• A total of €55,000 has been allocated to support the project.
• Blanca Pérez highlighted the importance of international collaboration for environmental conservation.
• Awareness activities include training on turtle conservation and pollution management.
• Future plans involve establishing a network of wildlife recovery centers and enhancing existing facilities.