Tenerife Island Council Assumes Full Control of Teide National Park
The Tenerife Island Council has officially assumed full management control of Teide National Park, centralizing operations and staff under a new dedicated office to enhance local governance and environmental conservation.
Teide National Park has entered a new era of management following the Tenerife Island Council’s decision to take full control of the site. This shift in governance, formalized on April 23, 2026, completes the transfer of responsibilities from the regional government to the island authority, as outlined in Decree 214/2025.
The most immediate change involves the park’s workforce. Island President Rosa Dávila confirmed that all civil servants and contract staff have been fully integrated into the Island Council’s staffing structure. To ensure stability, Natural Environment Minister Blanca Pérez stated that all existing employment and salary terms will be honored, with safeguards in place to prevent any loss of income for staff during the transition.
Operationally, all surveillance, research, and public services will now be centralized under the newly formed Teide National Park Office. This office will manage both the staff and the physical assets required to maintain the park, including a fleet of 22 vehicles—ranging from off-roaders to motorcycles—essential for upholding the park’s Master Plan for Use and Management.
This move is part of a broader effort to decentralize administration, giving island councils more direct control over their key natural resources. By taking charge, the Tenerife Island Council now faces the challenge of managing a fragile ecosystem. The goal is to create a more agile, responsive management system capable of balancing high tourist demand with the urgent need for environmental conservation.