Technicians propose permanent closure to be able to control erosion both on the main trail and on the trails open indiscriminately. In this sense, they propose the improvement of habitats of community interest harmed by the opening of these traces. The intention is to ensure that the population gradually assumes the restriction, in such a way that the situation is consolidated before the next Bajada del Socorro. Another objective is “to minimize the risk of accidents for users of the natural space.”
A resolution of the island councilor for Natural Environment and Security Management, Isabel García, dated last day 6 and published yesterday in the BOP, decrees the closure of access to the Montaña Grande. It specifies that «the Camino de El Socorro, declared BIC, constitutes the Northeast limit of the Malpaís de Güímar Special Natural Reserve».
The document recalls that “on December 8, several thousand people – there have been 100.00 counted – accompany the Virgin on her round trip from Güímar to the village of El Socorro».
About 40 years ago, the story continues, “the young güimareros acquired the custom of climbing the Montaña Grande and launching themselves from the top across the hillside.” This has generated multiple scars on the cone. In recent years, this practice has increased and spread.
The descent of the Big Mountain off the only trail during the Pilgrimage of El Socorro “It constitutes a problem of the first order because it puts the natural habitats present in this Special Conservation Area at risk.” The ascent will only be allowed for reasons of natural space management and for scientific purposes subject to authorization.
