La Orotava Opens Applications for 34 Urban Garden Plots at Doña Chana Park

Local food production is back in the spotlight in northern Tenerife. The La Orotava City Council has officially opened the application process for 34 plots at the Doña Chana Cultural and Environmental Park’s urban garden. After 15 years, this site remains a leading example of how public spaces can be used for sustainable farming.

Managed by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the program is open to local residents, who have until August 13, 2026, to apply. To ensure the process is fair and transparent, the three-year plot leases will be awarded via a public lottery.

Since opening in 2011, the 4,500-square-meter project has served as a pioneer in the Canary Islands. It features 110 individual plots, each measuring between 30 and 35 square meters. While 90 of these are reserved for individual residents, the project also has a strong educational focus. Seven plots are dedicated to local schools, such as CEIP La Concepción and CEIP Domínguez Alfonso, which use the space—complete with nurseries and tool sheds—to teach students about the environment.

This initiative goes beyond simple gardening. By integrating sustainability into urban planning, the Doña Chana complex acts as a hub for environmental best practices. Those who receive a plot must follow strict guidelines to protect the park’s ecology. Ultimately, the project does more than just produce food; it strengthens the community by turning public land into a shared space for learning and responsibility.