Tenerife’s Archaeological Heritage at Risk Due to Fragmented Planning and Lack of Funding
Archaeologist Ithaisa Abreu warns that Tenerife’s pre-Hispanic history remains largely undocumented due to inconsistent public policy, reactive research practices, and a lack of long-term heritage management.
Archaeological heritage management in Tenerife is at a turning point, hindered by inconsistent public policy and an over-reliance on shifting administrative priorities. In a recent interview with El Día, archaeologist Ithaisa Abreu warned that our understanding of the island’s pre-Hispanic history remains fragmented. She estimates that current research covers less than 10% of what is needed to build a complete historical picture.
Abreu points to a lack of long-term planning and unequal resources as the primary obstacles. While Gran Canaria has established systematic excavation plans that have significantly improved knowledge of its aboriginal society, research in Tenerife remains sporadic. Projects are often reactive, driven by construction deadlines or fluctuating budgets rather than a clear scientific roadmap. This instability makes it difficult to sustain long-term studies, as projects frequently stall or are abandoned once political priorities shift or initial funding runs out.
The situation in Los Silos serves as a clear example. Before 2017, the official registry listed only four archaeological sites in the municipality. However, recent surveys led by Abreu show that the lack of records wasn't due to a lack of history, but rather the difficulty of surveying land heavily altered by farming, urban growth, and historical industry. Abreu argues that in such complex areas, traditional methods aren't enough; they require a level of meticulous analysis that current administrative timelines rarely permit.
Beyond the academic side, protecting this heritage is a major social and urban challenge. Land pressure and tourism development are compounded by a lack of public awareness, leading to sites being damaged by littering or misuse. Abreu maintains that it is possible to balance historical preservation with modern development, but it requires proactive management. This includes consulting experts before land is purchased and, crucially, establishing maintenance programs to ensure sites aren't abandoned after they are excavated.
Ultimately, Abreu warns that without a regional strategy that looks beyond short-term fixes, we risk losing vital information about the island’s past—particularly in areas that lack formal environmental protection.