The President of Tenerife defends the new plan for Teide: "It is a step forward, not a theme park."

The President of the island of Rosa Dávila stated that the new management plan for the Teide National Park is a big step forward in nature protection. She disagrees with environmentalists who believe that the park is being turned into a "theme park" for tourists. "Environmentalists want only scientists to have access to the park," said the President.

At a press conference, Dávila spoke about the improvements that the new plan will bring. It aims to find a compromise, but at the same time takes nature conservation seriously. Traditional activities, such as beekeeping, will be allowed, but with restrictions. Over the next 10 years, environmentalists will monitor their impact on the park.

"We will reduce the number of hives from 3,000 to 2,000, and even then we will monitor to possibly reduce it further," Dávila explained. She also added that the fight against invasive species, such as the mouflon, will last five years, and even scientists consider this to be an ambitious timeframe.

"Mouflons were brought in back in the 60s, but our government wants to protect, preserve and improve nature. Compared to the previous plan, which is already 22 years old, this is huge progress," the island's President emphasized.

Another controversial point is the collection of sand in the park for making carpets for the religious holiday of Corpus Christi. Environmentalists are against it, but local authorities believe that it does not cause any harm. "Teide will be there, nature will be protected, and the carpets for Corpus Christi will also be there, because it has not been proven that this is harmful in any way. Environmentalists want only scientists to have access to the park, but that is not right," she added.

Dávila emphasized that it is necessary to streamline visits to the park. They plan to allow tourists on buses, charge an environmental fee to those who do not live on the island, and make visits more organized.

The island's President emphasized that this plan takes into account climate change, unlike the previous one. It is important that it is adopted with the consent of all parties.