New Leadership in Afur Faces Challenges Updating Anaga’s Outdated Rural Regulations

Passing the torch of neighborhood activism in Anaga is proving to be a challenge that goes beyond simple personal commitment. As reported by El Día, David Amador Alonso is stepping up to lead the Afur neighborhood association, taking over the work of his late mother, Goya Alonso. Goya, a tireless advocate for the rural community and a 2024 recipient of the Canary Islands Gold Medal, passed away on August 31.

This family legacy, which stretches back to David’s grandfather, Ángel Alonso—the area’s last village mayor—now faces a significant administrative hurdle: outdated regulations. The primary issue, according to Amador, is the Anaga Rural Park’s Master Plan for Use and Management (PRUG). Because this document hasn't been updated since 1996, its rigid rules now hinder modern agricultural development and make it difficult for residents to stay in the area.

While his mother spent decades building relationships through persistent, face-to-face meetings with officials in Santa Cruz, Amador is taking a more digital and pragmatic approach to fit his professional life. Despite the change in style, the goal remains the same: pushing the government to address the urgent needs of local residents. Amador notes that this work can be isolating, especially when trying to balance a career with the demands of community advocacy.

Amador’s first major task is organizing the San Pedro festivities this July, a key step in keeping Afur on the map. However, the broader challenge is political. For rural life in the park to remain viable, the government must modernize its management model. The Alonso family’s history—moving from traditional farming to direct political engagement—reflects a wider struggle to keep a way of life alive by finally updating the rules that govern this protected area.