Tenerife Expands Environmental Agent Force to Strengthen Natural Space Protection
Tenerife has expanded its environmental agent team to 84 professionals to enhance surveillance, fire investigation, and conservation efforts across the island’s natural spaces, including Teide National Park.
Tenerife is changing how it manages its natural spaces by expanding its team of environmental agents. The island’s Cabildo has hired 20 new staff members, bringing the total team to 84 professionals. This expansion, which will be fully operational within two weeks, is designed to strengthen surveillance across the island, especially following the Cabildo’s takeover of Teide National Park earlier this year.
The impact will be most significant in Teide National Park, where the number of agents is jumping from two to fourteen. These agents function as a specialized environmental police force, with the authority to file official reports that go directly to the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office.
The team is also becoming more specialized. Alongside existing digital surveillance and crime units, three new sections are being launched: one to investigate the causes of forest fires—a top priority after the 2023 wildfires—one for protecting local plants and animals, and a canine unit trained to detect poisoned bait. These measures aim to reduce the environmental damage caused by high visitor numbers and the heavy use of public land.
The Cabildo emphasizes that this move is about more than just issuing fines. The goal is to balance enforcement with prevention and environmental education for both locals and tourists. To ensure the team is ready, specialized training begins on the 14th.
The recruitment process, which began in 2023, has also improved gender balance, with five women joining the latest group of recruits. The Cabildo notes that these agents hold distinct, professional roles that are separate from the duties of traditional rural guards, marking a new chapter in how Tenerife protects its natural environment.