Tenerife Town of Los Silos Launches Pilot Plan to Tackle Demographic Crisis
The Tenerife town of Los Silos has launched a strategic action plan to combat demographic decline and economic stagnation, serving as a pilot model for 46 other municipalities across the Canary Islands.
The Tenerife town of Los Silos has become the focal point for addressing the Canary Islands' demographic crisis. According to data from the Ministry of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion, and Water, Los Silos is the oldest town on the island. Official reports show that a quarter of its residents are over 65, a situation made more difficult by an 18% unemployment rate and an economy heavily reliant on the primary sector, which makes up 40% of its local businesses.
This study, which focuses on towns with fewer than 5,000 residents, aims to provide a blueprint for 46 other Canarian municipalities facing similar challenges. Elena Zárate, the Deputy Minister of Territorial Planning and Demographic Challenge, stated that the new action plan is designed to be a practical roadmap rather than just a theoretical report.
The strategy is built on four main pillars: territorial planning, demographics, heritage preservation, and improved governance. Practically, the plan aims to promote sustainability through ecosystem restoration and the energy transition. It also seeks to prevent population decline by investing in housing and public facilities, while diversifying the economy through sustainable tourism, digitalization, and the promotion of local trails and architecture.
Los Silos Mayor Carmen Luz Baso Lorenzo stressed that the goal is to turn this document into a tool for real change in the Isla Baja region. The next step will be to prioritize these measures and secure the necessary funding. The presentation was also attended by Mari Brito, president of the Canary Islands Federation of Municipalities (Fecam), and Onán Cruz, Director General of Territorial Planning and Territorial Cohesion, both of whom highlighted the importance of cooperation between the government and the public to reverse current trends.
This initiative is part of a broader regional effort launched in 2024. For Los Silos, the plan emphasizes that active involvement from local businesses and the community is essential to ensure these solutions meet the town's actual needs.