Tenerife Council Takes Full Control of Teide National Park

The Tenerife Island Council has now taken full control of Teide National Park. This change, published on Wednesday in the Official Gazette of the Canary Islands (BOC), means the powers have been officially transferred from the Canary Islands Government's Ministry of Ecological Transition, rather than just delegated as before. Island president Rosa Dávila called this the end of a long process and a "historic milestone," saying it makes the people of Tenerife "owners" of their island's iconic symbol.

Dávila explained that having full control will allow for more efficient management of Teide and enable decisions to be made closer to the park itself. She mentioned concerns about how people currently visit Teide, mostly by private car, and stressed their commitment to promoting sustainable travel options, among other goals.

Dávila noted that they have already been working on many of these challenges. These include researching and restoring the cedar forest, protecting and preserving the park's various ecosystems, animals, and plants, and ensuring that traditional local uses of Teide can continue.

She highlighted that the Island Council worked closely with the Canary Islands Government throughout this process, calling President Clavijo and Councillor Mariano Zapata "fundamental allies." This collaboration led to a new, modern Management and Use Master Plan (PRUG), which is now in effect. This plan focuses on conservation and preservation and offers updated tools compared to the previous one, which had been in place for over 22 years.

The transfer, which was part of the 2025 Budget Law, has now officially happened. Dávila pointed out that Teide is now the only national park in the Canary Islands directly managed by an island council. She added that other islands don't even have their parks delegated to them, making this a unique and innovative step.

The president announced that, starting immediately, 17 new workers will join the national park's team, following a Staffing Plan (RPT) approved in September. This includes 13 environmental agents, making up almost 70% of the total. She expects the hiring process for all new staff to be completed within the next two or three months. Additionally, the council has been strengthening contracts with public companies and rural guards who assist with surveillance.

When asked about repeating the "Snowfall Operation," Dávila stated that the recent one was a success. It allowed over 5,500 people from Tenerife and the Canary Islands to visit Teide by free, safe bus transport during a snowy weekend. She confirmed that if there's another significant snowfall like the one during Storm Emilia three weeks ago, they are ready and prepared to repeat the successful operation.

The Snowfall Operation served as a good example of sustainable travel in Teide National Park, a key part of the council's new mobility plan under the PRUG. Dávila announced that 14 new buses have already been bought. These vehicles will run constantly, not just on an internal circuit, but also connecting important points, with the goal of encouraging people to use public transport instead of private or rental cars.

Dávila noted that this mobility plan is "just starting." She mentioned that a commission has already been formed, including representatives from various sectors, all levels of government, and scientists. This executive commission brings together different departments within the Island Council to help implement the Management and Use Master Plan.

Rosa Dávila also announced that, starting this month, foreign tourists will need to pay an eco-tax to use the two trails leading to the summit: Montaña Blanca and Telesforo Bravo. She stressed that all money collected from this tax will be put back into conserving and improving Teide. She added that the commission is also working on a broader eco-tax for all foreign visitors to Teide.