Tenerife Implements 24-Hour Surveillance and Staff Boost to Protect Teide National Park
The Tenerife Island Council has launched a comprehensive management overhaul for Teide National Park, featuring 24-hour surveillance, increased staffing, and a new master plan to curb overcrowding and protect the site's ecosystem.
On March 27, 2026, the Tenerife Island Council announced a major change in how Teide National Park is managed. To better protect Spain’s most-visited natural site, the park will now have a permanent, 24-hour surveillance system.
This move addresses long-standing issues with unauthorized overnight stays and disruptive behavior that have recently drawn public concern. Island Council President Rosa Dávila explained that the park has historically been under-resourced, noting that the team of environmental agents will increase from just two to 14 dedicated staff members.
The new security operation is a collaborative effort involving the Canary Islands Police, the La Orotava Local Police, and SEPRONA. This team is part of a wider initiative that includes 50 environmental agents, technical staff, and rural guards, all working to manage the high volume of visitors effectively.
In addition to increasing staff, the administration has introduced a new Master Plan for Use and Management (PRUG). This plan will help control overcrowding at popular viewpoints by introducing reservation systems and access restrictions. The Council emphasized that these changes are about optimizing public resources to protect the park’s natural heritage, rather than privatization.
The park is also upgrading its equipment, including new vehicles and communication systems, to ensure a faster response to emergencies, fires, and environmental violations. The ultimate success of this strategy will depend on finding the right balance between accommodating tourism and preserving the park’s fragile ecosystem.