Tenerife Launches €3 Million Project to Restore TF-1 Motorway Landscape
The Tenerife Island Council has launched a €3 million restoration project to stabilize slopes and reintroduce native vegetation along the TF-1 motorway near Mercatenerife.
The Tenerife Island Council has launched a major project to restore the landscape along the TF-1 motorway, near Mercatenerife. With a budget of over 3 million euros, the initiative aims to repair environmental damage along one of the island’s busiest routes, where the land had become degraded and overrun by invasive plants.
Work began on February 17 and covers nearly 65,000 square meters. The project is technically challenging due to the steep, 28-degree slopes, which first required clearing debris, stabilizing the ground, and removing invasive species like fountain grass—a plant that poses a significant threat to local biodiversity.
To restore the area, the council is planting 5,500 native specimens, including tabaibas, cardones, and lentiscs, all chosen for their ability to thrive in the local climate. Beyond planting, the team is covering over 10,000 square meters of slope with natural stone to prevent erosion and help the motorway blend more naturally into the surrounding environment.
Island Council President Rosa Dávila stated that the goal is to transform the TF-1 from a simple road into a space that feels integrated with the landscape. Dámaso Arteaga, the Minister of Roads, added that the project team has carefully transplanted existing native plants to ensure the work respects the area's natural heritage. Through this initiative, the Council hopes to set a new standard for managing roadside areas, prioritizing stability and the recovery of natural habitats.