Tenerife Completes La Caleta de Adeje Environmental Restoration

The Tenerife Island Council has announced that restoration work is now finished in La Caleta de Adeje. This coastal area has been recognized as a Site of Scientific Interest (SSI) since 1987. The project, which cost 487,000 euros and was funded by EU-Next Generation European funds, aimed to fix environmental damage in this important natural and scenic location.

The area covers 78.3 hectares and features important rock formations. It has faced a lot of human impact over the years. Blanca Pérez, the island councilor for the area, explained that nearby towns and past farming activities led to its gradual decline. This problem was made worse by illegal settlements in caves and hollows, as well as visitors building stone structures, which left a significant mark on the land.

One of the main goals of the project, carried out by the public company Gesplan, was to improve the walking paths. About 7,059.25 square meters of smaller paths were removed to guide people onto clear routes and make the area safer. Also, 14.12 square meters of stone steps were built to make certain spots easier to access. New signs and information boards are also planned to teach visitors about the natural features and traditional uses of the site.

Environmentally, the project focused on removing invasive plants and bringing back local and unique plant species. Nearly 3,500 plants, including tabaiba dulce, tabaiba amarga, cardón, verodes, leña buena, and cardoncillo, have been planted. These are vital for the local wildlife.

The main aim of this effort was to fully restore the natural beauty and environmental value of La Caleta. Despite its protected status, the area was at risk from human activity and the spread of non-native species. The work seeks to protect a special natural heritage that is very important to the island.