Buenavista Mayor Links Inclusion to Economic Growth, Unveils Identity Projects

The mayor of Buenavista del Norte, Eva García, from the PSOE party, says her town is committed to social inclusion. She sees this as a smart way to boost the economy. She also announced new projects to celebrate and promote local traditions, progress, and the town's unique identity.

Buenavista aims to include everyone. Projects like the Buenavista Diversa Festival promote inclusion, accessibility, and local development. How does being an inclusive town help its economy grow?

"Being an inclusive town isn't just the right thing to do; it's also a smart way to grow our economy. It strengthens our community, creates more job opportunities, and makes our area attractive, lively, and sustainable. For years, Buenavista del Norte has focused on making everything accessible to everyone, putting people first. We work on this all year round, with training for residents, adapting spaces, and offering accessible cultural and leisure activities. This all comes together in our annual multi-day festival, which is about enjoyment, well-being, and free time for everyone. It also connects with the town's tourism, culture, and heritage. Our local businesses support this project, which is almost ten years old. Its goal is to improve society, boost the economy, and connect both residents and visitors with our surroundings."

Buenavista also has strong rural traditions, with farming being its main economic driver. How can a modern town, that meets today's needs, stay true to its history, traditions, and culture?

"A large part of Buenavista is within the Teno Rural Park, an area with incredible natural beauty, landscapes, and cultural value. This special environment allows us to promote sustainable and responsible tourism, focusing on nature, farming, livestock, and local traditions. I always say that Buenavista has everything, and we have the chance to build our future on a good quality of life, sustainability, and pride in our roots.

We do have challenges as a small town, like an aging population, limited job opportunities, and traditional jobs, especially in farming and livestock, being abandoned. So, our main goal is to protect our environment and rural identity while also actively attracting new residents, encouraging new businesses, and creating sustainable jobs. Only then can we ensure a balanced future where modern life, tradition, and social well-being exist together. To be a modern town, we must remember the past and blend new ideas with our history, environment, and people. Buenavista del Norte must move forward while staying true to itself, making its rural traditions a driving force for sustainable development and community pride.

That's why the City Council launched a very important project called '+Root +Future' (Más Raíz Más Futuro), with financial help from the Government of the Canary Islands. Through a local company, we are raising awareness about the value of our environment, the importance of rural heritage, and local products. This project targets young people, involving local schools and other groups, to share our heritage and ensure it's passed on to future generations."

What are the next urban development projects planned for the near future?

"We've worked very hard over the past two years. We found all construction projects stalled, either due to administrative issues or lack of funding. Now, we're moving forward with renovating the San Francisco sports center, which is a key facility for sports in our town. We're grateful to the Sports Department of the Cabildo de Tenerife for understanding our needs and restoring the funding that had been lost.

We've also finished the paperwork for several projects that are now being put out to tender, such as the Municipal Cinema, a vital building in the town center; the La Cuesta cultural center; and the renovation of the Asomada del Guirre viewpoint. Currently, important renovation work for the football field is being tendered to improve safety, along with expansion work at the cemetery.

We've also renovated all the town's playgrounds and are now working on adding shade to some of them. We're also renovating schools with support from the Ministry of Education, focusing on improving sports areas, adding shade, and updating electrical systems. In the coming weeks, we expect to sign an agreement with the IASS for the renovation of the Senior Citizens' Home. This funding had also been lost, and it's essential to complement the excellent service already provided to our elderly from this center.

We continue to work with the Environment and Tourism Department of the Cabildo de Tenerife to improve areas in Punta de Teno, including rehabilitating the pier and other spaces. We're also implementing a housing policy to provide solutions for residents, committing to buying 15 homes for affordable rent, and urging the Government of the Canary Islands to acquire more properties for this purpose. We still have a lot of work ahead, but we continue to strive to meet all residents' needs."

On November 16, the Feria de Medianías (Midlands Fair) will be held in the Teno Rural Park. What can we expect that day?

"The Feria de Medianías will be a chance to celebrate the value of our land and the people who live and work here. The Buenavista City Council is working with the Teno Rural Park to host this event where residents and visitors can enjoy local products, tastings, displays of livestock, crafts, farming, and traditional food. There will also be cultural activities, workshops, and traditional music. This initiative also boosts the local economy, supporting small producers, entrepreneurs, and groups dedicated to quality, local identity, and respecting the natural environment. It will be a showcase of everything that defines us as a community, set in a unique location like the El Palmar Valley, in Los Pedregales."