Tenerife and La Palma will jointly fight for the creation of a National Volcanology Center.
Tenerife and La Palma will jointly apply to create a National Volcanology Center in the Canary Islands, with its headquarters in La Palma and scientific research conducted in Tenerife.
The Cabildos (local authorities) of Tenerife and La Palma have agreed to jointly apply for the creation of a National Volcanology Center in the Canary Islands, according to Rosa Dávila, head of Tenerife. According to her, the center's main office will be in La Palma, while scientific research will be conducted in Tenerife, where there are already experienced institutions. They will operate according to the model of the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics.
Dávila announced this at a press conference after a government meeting. Earlier on Tuesday, the Spanish government launched the procedure for selecting a location for the center, so now applications can be submitted from all over the country. "Therefore, it is important that the two cabildos act together, with the support of the government of the Canary Islands," she said. This will make their application "stronger" because "we believe that the center should be located in the Canary Islands."
"To guarantee this, we must not quarrel and submit separate applications, but act together," Dávila emphasized. She is confident that their joint application will be "the best and most important, considering where it will be located, the scientific potential, and common sense."
Regarding other government decisions, Rosa Dávila announced that 3.3 million euros have been allocated to improve the appearance and strengthen the slopes along the TF-1 highway near MercaTenerife.
They plan to plant greenery on approximately 60,000 square meters of land at the entrance to Santa Cruz from the south. They will also strengthen the slopes near MercaTenerife, on the right side of the highway when driving south, between the capital and the interchange to MercaTenerife.
The government also approved the documentation to start work on the restoration of the La Centinela observation deck, located between the municipalities of San Miguel and Arona. 1.4 million euros will be allocated for this, and the work is expected to last 9 months.
This project is being carried out jointly with the government of the Canary Islands and both municipalities. It is intended to help develop this place, which has great potential. There are historical sites and archaeological finds. They plan to renovate the building and open an information center about the archaeological heritage of the Abona region, especially about petroglyphs (rock carvings).
In addition, the government approved a program to assist municipalities with a population of less than 30,000 people so that they can implement projects that support equality in sexual, family, and gender issues. 60,000 euros have been allocated for this. The goal is to support LGBTIQ+ policies.
Gesplan has also been commissioned to restore endangered animal and plant species on the island. Approximately 600,000 euros have been allocated for this, and the work will continue until November 2028.
Another 1.5 million euros will be invested in energy efficiency in 19 buildings owned by the Cabildo. Solar panels will be installed there to generate electricity. This applies, for example, to the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium, Casa La Miel-Casa del Vino in El Sauzal, and the exhibition center.
In the field of culture and museums, it was decided to extend the Plan for the Development of Cultural Infrastructure for 2016-2028 until 2029. This was done so that municipalities could complete already funded projects, as they have encountered difficulties.
Lope Afonso also announced that budget changes have been approved and will be submitted to the next meeting. They include commissioning Gesplan to develop a project for a future animal protection center, funds to improve the Güímar industrial zone, and a contribution of 842,000 euros for Balten.