Concerns Mount Over Off-Road Activities Endangering Guanche Heritage in Tenerife

In recent months, a growing number of voices have emerged to express serious concerns about the detrimental effects of off-road vehicles on Guanche heritage sites in Tenerife. The issue has gained traction as local communities and advocacy groups highlight the urgent need for protective measures.

Rising Threats to Cultural Heritage from Off-Road Vehicles

The social archaeology group Imastanen has sounded the alarm regarding the escalating use of motocross bikes and mountain bicycles in the picturesque landscapes of Arico, a municipality situated in the southern region of Tenerife. Governed by the PSOE and PP, this area has witnessed a notable increase in off-road activities, which pose a significant threat to the preservation of Guanche relics and archaeological sites that are vital to the island’s cultural heritage.

Residents of Arico have reported alarming instances of off-road vehicles traversing sensitive areas, highlighting a troubling lack of regulation that allows these machines to roam freely. This unchecked access has led to the neglect and destruction of indigenous material heritage, raising questions about the future of these invaluable sites.

Environmental and Archaeological Implications of Unregulated Access

Imastanen emphasizes that the chaotic management of land in Arico has created an environment where off-road vehicles can access natural spaces without oversight. The installation of photovoltaic parks, wind turbines, and various access roads has resulted in irreversible damage to many ravines, which hold geological, natural, and ethnographic significance. These developments not only disrupt the landscape but also threaten the delicate ecosystems that exist within these areas.

Sixto García, the leader of Imastanen, has observed that it is increasingly common to see motorcycles and mountain bikes operating off designated paths, exploiting the region’s steep terrain. This reckless behavior not only endangers local flora and fauna but also jeopardizes numerous archaeological sites that remain undocumented and vulnerable to destruction.

Urgent Calls for Action and Recognition of Heritage Sites

Recent findings from Imastanen indicate that the activities of off-road vehicles have recently compromised a significant Guanche site characterized by channels and bowls, which is now nearing a state of irreversible erosion. Alarmingly, this site has not been catalogued, nor have other nearby Guanche locations that have suffered damage from heavy machinery. The lack of documentation and protection for these sites raises serious concerns about the future of Guanche heritage in the region.

The group has expressed frustration over the apparent lack of recognition from local authorities regarding these important archaeological sites. They emphasize that many locations of historical significance remain unacknowledged by those responsible for their protection. Despite their efforts to engage with municipal officials in Arico, Imastanen has faced significant challenges, reflecting a broader issue of neglect towards the preservation of this rich cultural heritage.

As the situation continues to evolve, the need for immediate action and greater awareness surrounding the protection of Guanche heritage sites has never been more pressing. Local communities, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens must come together to advocate for the preservation of these irreplaceable cultural landmarks.

Key points

• Imastanen has raised alarms about the impact of motocross and mountain biking on Guanche heritage sites in Arico, Tenerife.
• Residents report that off-road vehicles are frequently seen in sensitive natural areas.
• The chaotic management of land has led to significant environmental degradation.
• Many archaeological sites remain undocumented and unprotected, despite their historical significance.
• Imastanen has struggled to engage with local authorities regarding the preservation of these sites.