Scientists Challenge Tenerife’s "Ocean Citizen" Project Over Greenwashing Allegations
A group of prominent scientists and activists is challenging a proposed development project at Tenerife’s Punta Blanca, alleging that the "Ocean Citizen" initiative uses environmental restoration as a pretext for a profit-driven tourist complex.
Scientists are speaking out against a proposed development project at Punta Blanca in Tenerife, questioning the true motives and technical validity of the "Ocean Citizen" and "Underwater Gardens" initiatives. A group of over twenty researchers from institutions including the University of La Laguna, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and the CSIC have raised concerns that environmental goals are being used as a cover for profit.
The controversy centers on how the project is being managed. Experts argue that by splitting the application process between the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Cabildo of Tenerife, the developers may be trying to bypass a full environmental impact assessment. Critics believe this tactic hides the project’s real purpose: building a tourist and recreational complex. According to the promoters' own documents, the project aims for an annual revenue of over 25 million euros, functioning more like a large-scale theme park than a conservation effort.
Academics also warn that the project lacks scientific rigor. They point out that no initial study was conducted to determine why the area is deteriorating, which undermines any claims that the project will "restore" the environment. Furthermore, experts are skeptical about the proposed transplanting of species, noting there is no evidence this will work in the Canary Islands. They also highlight concerns regarding concrete structures on the seabed; while described as temporary, the project’s contracts reportedly include clauses that would allow them to remain permanently.
The researchers also raised alarms over the use of European public funds. They claim there is a conflict of interest because the private company seeking the concession is also a partner in the research consortium. Experts argue the company is using the reputation of universities and EU-backed labels to gain legitimacy that the project does not actually deserve.
In response, the "Save Punta Blanca" citizens' group has joined forces with these researchers to call for an immediate halt to the project. They are demanding that authorities subject the initiative to an independent review to determine if it is truly about protecting natural heritage or simply a commercial venture disguised as sustainability.