Social Media Seekers Threaten Tenerife’s Anaga Biosphere Reserve
Authorities in Tenerife’s Anaga Massif are increasing surveillance as social media-seeking hikers damage protected ecosystems and trespass on private land by straying from marked trails.
The Anaga Massif, a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is under threat from hikers seeking the perfect photo for social media. According to rural warden Pedro Pérez, visitors are increasingly leaving marked trails to capture images, which damages the ecosystem and encroaches on private land.
This issue is particularly visible on the route between Cabezo de los Charcos and Roque Chiguel. In some cases, visitors have resorted to vandalism, using blue paint to mark unauthorized paths across private property to make it easier for others to follow. These actions violate both park regulations and the rights of local landowners.
The Rural Warden service warns that straying from official trails—those marked with "PR" signs—causes significant environmental harm, including soil erosion and damage to protected plants and wildlife.
To combat this, authorities are stepping up surveillance in the area. Those caught breaking the rules will face legal or administrative consequences. Officials emphasize that following hiking regulations is mandatory, and that protecting the natural environment and respecting private property must come before the desire for social media content.