Tenerife Launches €2 Million Initiative to Combat Invasive Plant Species

Protecting biodiversity in the Canary Islands is becoming increasingly difficult as non-native plants threaten to crowd out the region’s unique local species. The Cabildo de Tenerife recently brought together an international panel of experts in La Laguna to tackle this issue, which has become particularly urgent in Tenerife, where over 900 foreign plant species have now been recorded.

The meeting, part of the #ProtectTheParadise (#BlindaElParaíso) initiative, focused on sharing ways to contain these plants and restore damaged ecosystems. Because island environments are isolated, they are especially vulnerable to outside organisms. Experts warn that once an invasive species takes hold, it becomes much harder and more expensive to remove, making early detection the most effective way to manage the problem.

To address this, the local government is investing over two million euros to carry out work across thirty natural sites. This effort is supported by "Tenerife Biodiversa," a new digital mapping tool that allows officials to track and monitor control efforts in real time. Blanca Pérez, the Minister of Natural Environment, noted that managing these invasive species is currently one of the biggest threats to the island’s natural heritage.

The panel included experts from other island regions facing similar challenges, such as the Azores, the Galápagos, and Cocos Island, alongside researchers from the University of La Laguna and the University of Oxford. By comparing international success stories and sharing technical expertise, the group aims to develop a comprehensive strategy. The consensus is clear: the priority must be preventing new invasions and restoring damaged habitats to ensure that native plants can thrive once again.