Urgent Call for the Reopening of Los Patos Beach in Tenerife

The Socialist Group of the Cabildo de Tenerife is making a strong appeal for the immediate reopening of Los Patos beach, a popular destination located in the picturesque area of La Orotava. This beach has been a cherished spot for both locals and tourists alike, and its prolonged closure has raised significant concerns among community members and environmental advocates.

Prolonged Closure Raises Alarm

Los Patos beach has been closed since December 2023, resulting in a closure period that has now extended to two years. This extended absence from public access has left many bewildered, as there is currently no clear timeline for when the beach will reopen. The PSOE of Tenerife has described this situation as incomprehensible, emphasizing that it reflects a broader trend of institutional neglect impacting the El Rincón area. This neglect not only affects the beach itself but also the surrounding environment, which is crucial for local biodiversity and tourism.

Calls for Restoration and Protection

In light of the ongoing issues, the PSOE is advocating for the restoration of both accessibility and conservation initiatives in the El Rincón environment. This area is protected under a specific legal framework established by Law 5/1992, which facilitated the creation of the Special Plan and the El Rincón Consortium. This governing body is composed of representatives from the Autonomous Community, the Cabildo de Tenerife, the Ayuntamiento de La Orotava, as well as local community and environmental groups. The involvement of these diverse stakeholders is critical for ensuring that the area is managed sustainably and that the needs of both residents and visitors are met.

Challenges in Resource Allocation

Despite the existence of this governance structure, there has been a troubling lack of resource allocation from the involved administrations. This shortfall has hindered efforts to manage access, improve services, and ensure effective conservation initiatives. Javier Rodríguez Medina, a socialist councillor, has highlighted the ongoing deterioration of this protected area, particularly in relation to its primary bathing zones. The lack of attention and funding has led to a decline in the beach’s condition, raising concerns about safety and environmental integrity.

Urgent Need for Geological Assessments

María Jesús Alonso, the socialist spokesperson in the Ayuntamiento de La Orotava, has emphasized the necessity of conducting immediate geological assessments to evaluate the condition of Los Patos beach after such an extended period of closure. Understanding the current state of the beach is essential for determining the necessary steps for its safe reopening. These assessments will provide critical data on the beach’s geological stability and ecological health, which are vital for informing future management strategies.

Tourism and Maintenance Issues

In addition to environmental concerns, the PSOE councillor has raised alarms regarding the increasing tourist pressure that Los Patos beach has experienced over recent decades. Unfortunately, this surge in visitors has not been matched by adequate maintenance, cleanliness, or planning for access routes. The lack of attention to Los Patos, its access roads, and other main bathing areas has become a significant issue, leading to dissatisfaction among both locals and tourists. Without proper management, the beach risks losing its appeal and ecological value, which could have long-term repercussions for the local economy.

Proposed Immediate Actions for Reopening

In response to these pressing issues, the socialist motion includes a comprehensive proposal for the Cabildo to demand that the El Rincón Consortium and relevant administrations take four urgent actions. First, they must ensure the safe reopening of Los Patos beach, implementing all necessary safety measures to protect visitors. Second, a sustainable mobility plan should be created to manage access to El Bollullo beach and mitigate the impacts of peak tourist times. Third, a maintenance and cleanliness strategy for access roads and paths must be implemented to restore accessibility to key bathing areas. Finally, it is crucial to maintain ongoing dialogue with local residents and ecological groups to ensure participatory decision-making in the management of the beach and surrounding environment.

Key points

• Los Patos beach has been closed since December 2023.
• The PSOE of Tenerife highlights the institutional neglect affecting El Rincón.
• Accessibility and conservation efforts are being called for in the El Rincón area.
• The El Rincón Consortium includes various local and environmental representatives.
• There is a need for geological assessments of the beach’s condition.
• Tourist pressure has not been matched by adequate maintenance and planning.
• The PSOE has proposed four urgent actions for the reopening and management of Los Patos beach.