Punta Blanca Project: 'Regenerative Park,' Not Theme Park or Hotel, Company Says

Due to public concerns about the Punta Blanca project in Guía de Isora, the company is clarifying what it involves. They state it is not a theme park, even though there will be an entrance fee. There will also be no hotel or pier.

The project, called Underwater Gardens, is a 'regenerative park' focused on restoring the environment. It will transform a currently damaged area using native plants and animals, with help from experts at the University of La Laguna. The money from visitor tickets will directly support this regeneration and help bring the area back to its natural state. Visitors will also learn about the importance of local wildlife through educational programs. The park will also highlight local culture, offering food made from locally sourced ingredients and providing a platform for local craftspeople. The goal is to boost the circular economy and support local businesses.

Our aim is to repair existing damage, not just maintain it, and to become a leading international example of regenerative tourism, which is a growing global trend. We believe this approach offers significant benefits.

While 'regenerative park' isn't an official category, we see it as similar to a museum – perhaps a 'regenerative museum.' It will feature exhibitions and interactive, immersive experiences.

Our founder, Marc García-Durán, has a deep affection for the Canary Islands. This specific location was suggested to us because of its unique marine environment. We then spent time exploring Tenerife, getting to know its communities. The island's natural beauty, its people, and the overall enthusiasm for the project all played a part. Once it was recognized as being of 'insular interest,' we decided to establish the project here.

We submitted our environmental impact statement last week and are now awaiting the next stages of the process.

Developing a project like this, which involves advanced technology and biotechnology, is very complex. We hope to announce specific dates soon, but we don't want to give any now that might change. We are being extremely thorough with all our processes and procedures, going beyond what is typically required.

Indeed, this is a ZEC zone, making it very sensitive to human activity. Through our European project, Ocean Citizens, we've found that this marine area still has hope. Over the past three years, we've studied its environmental condition, focusing on the communities that form marine forests. We've discovered that the habitat is very fragmented. While we find healthy populations at depths of 80 to 100 meters, divers near the coast are seeing fewer and fewer gorgonians. Sponges, however, are better preserved. This understanding of Tenerife's marine forest communities is key to restoring biodiversity, increasing marine life on the Canarian seabed, and supporting the species that rely on them.

We have similar projects in Norway, Denmark, Israel, and other parts of Spain, including Barcelona. In Barcelona, 55 artificial reefs were placed in front of the Olympic Port. The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) confirmed that over 100 marine species regenerated there within a year. The results are remarkable, proving that the biotechnology we use is effective. Underwater Gardens designed these reefs and our biologists are responsible for monitoring them.

I understand the public's concerns and agree that many current tourism models are outdated, reflecting practices from 60 years ago. We need to move towards tourism that genuinely makes a positive impact and benefits society. Our park is not a speculative venture designed simply to attract visitors; it's a project intended to offer lasting value. We aim to create something beneficial, something that aligns with what the community is seeking. In fact, we agree with over 80% of the demands from the environmental sector. The proposed site is a degraded private property, and we believe creating a regenerative park that can serve as an international model is a far better option than building a hotel or similar development there.

Yes, we are setting up meetings with all relevant groups. Our goal is to be transparent, share factual data, and correct any misinformation. I, and our team, are environmentalists. While different people may have different perspectives, we are eager to incorporate any valuable suggestions and find common ground, as there is much we agree on.

Initially, we had positive discussions with the local surfing community. However, a rumor began circulating that a pier would be built. If I were a surfer at Punta Blanca and heard that, I would also be concerned. But to be clear, there will be no pier. The artificial reefs will be spread out at depths of 12 to 15 meters, which will not affect the waves. In fact, we plan to include facilities for surfers, a proposal we've had from the start.

Yes, access to the coastline will remain free for everyone. The number of visitors to the regenerative park itself will be managed, allowing between 1,200 and 2,000 people per day in a controlled way.