Tenerife Council Unveils 2024-2025 Sustainability Roadmap Focused on Water and Climate Resilience

The Tenerife Island Council’s 2024-2025 Activity Report signals a major shift in local governance, placing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the heart of its policies. Rather than just setting goals, the Council has created a practical roadmap that prioritizes climate resilience, public safety, and the efficient use of resources.

Water management is the report’s top priority, addressing the island’s current emergency. Following SDG 6, the Council is modernizing infrastructure, increasing water purification and reuse, and launching a new flood risk plan. This is paired with a circular economy model (SDGs 11 and 12) to improve waste management, which includes building four new recycling centers and expanding recycling programs like "Re-Viste" and "Tenerife Sustainable Fashion."

To protect the island’s land, the administration is taking a stricter approach to human impact. This includes charging fees for access to high-traffic natural areas, restoring land damaged by the 2023 forest fires, maintaining trails, and managing invasive species. Additionally, the Council is pushing for energy transition, aiming to cut CO2 emissions by 102,000 tons annually. This effort is supported by the installation of 42 electric vehicle charging points across the island and a move toward solar power in public buildings.

Public safety is also a key focus under the "Tenerife Safer Island" strategy. Highlights include a partnership with the Ministry of Defense for the "Prometeo" fire prevention campaign—which has been extended through November—and hosting the international EU-Modex 2025 drill in Garachico to prepare for volcanic emergencies.

Finally, the Council is investing in long-term sustainability through an environmental education framework that features over 20 ongoing programs. By working with private businesses and social organizations, the Council aims to ensure the island remains environmentally and socially viable for the future. The full report is now available for public review on the Council’s website.