Tenerife Road Project Faces Backlash Over Plan to Remove 85 Palm Trees

The renovation of the TF-176 road in La Orotava has sparked a heated debate, highlighting the challenge of balancing road safety with the protection of natural and cultural heritage. The Tenerife Island Council’s €740,000 project to upgrade 1.5 kilometers of the road has faced strong opposition from the El Rincón Coordinator-Ecologists in Action. The group is protesting plans to remove 85 Canary Island palm trees that line the route to popular coastal areas like El Bollullo, El Ancón, and Los Patos.

The conflict centers on the necessity of the removals. The Island Council claims the trees' roots have caused cracks and damage to the road surface, making intervention essential. However, the environmental group argues that the Council has failed to provide a detailed analysis proving the trees must be removed. They believe the proposal to transplant the palms—at a cost of €975 per tree—is an extreme measure that ignores better alternatives, such as installing root barriers or redesigning the road layout.

The controversy also touches on broader concerns about local mobility. The Coordinator argues that the current project prioritizes vehicle parking over pedestrian safety. They point out that the plans lack dedicated walkways, which are vital for the many people who walk to the beaches and currently have to navigate the road without safe shoulders.

Adding to the tension is the historical significance of the area. El Rincón is a protected landscape, and the palm trees are deeply tied to the local community, who planted them years ago. The Coordinator has criticized the authorities for a lack of transparency, noting that the El Rincón Consortium was not consulted. They are now calling for a formal dialogue that includes local residents in the decision-making process.

In response to public pressure, both the Tenerife Island Council and the La Orotava City Council have stated they are looking for ways to save the trees. However, the environmental group continues to push for a formal monitoring committee and a complete redesign of the project. They argue that public works in such sensitive areas should prioritize sustainability and environmental protection over a strictly engineering-focused approach.