Wolfredo Wildpret, a 90-year-old botany professor at the University of La Laguna, has served as the president of the Teide National Park Board of Trustees since 1983. He reflects on his early experiences with the volcano and raises concerns about the challenges posed by overwhelming tourist activity.
Unveiling the Essence of the National Park, Teide
50 years of intertwining with the National Park, representing the University of La Laguna, presiding over the Board of Trustees, and holding an honorary membership have endowed me with diverse experiences within this realm.
Earliest Recollection of Teide
At the age of 10 in 1943, I spent a month with my mother in one of the uncle’s houses on Teide. Accessing the area was a challenging feat back then, with rugged, unpaved roads. I vividly recollect the herds of goats surrounding the house and the routine of procuring fresh milk from the local farmers.
The Pre-National Park Era of Teide
The landscape was vastly distinct from what it is today. Vegetation was scarce, and the challenging living conditions prompted many farmers to take their goats to the summit for sustenance, following the footsteps of the Guanches. Understandably, this human activity led to the depletion of the once-rich and exclusive flora. The National Park designation has facilitated the preservation of a visually captivating Teide. Despite its high-altitude setting, it boasts a diverse and flourishing ecosystem.
The Most Fascinating Flora Species
The Teide violet, to me, stands as the quintessential floral emblem of Tenerife. It holds the distinction of being the highest-growing flower in all of Spain, with certain specimens thriving near the mountain’s apex at over 3,600 meters above sea level.
Your Most Cherished Locale within the Park
The summit of Guajara holds a special place in my heart. It was there that my wife and I stumbled upon a violet closely resembling the Teide violet, which was later identified as a distinct species and named the Guajara violet. The panoramic vistas of the National Park from Guajara are unparalleled.
The Future Outlook: Balancing Visitor Influx
The peril of transitioning from prosperity to devastation looms large. The unregulated influx of over four million visitors, along with their vehicles, brings about a plethora of challenges. Fortunately, over 80 percent of the National Park remains inaccessible. However, the current situation is unsustainable, exacerbated by the alarming lack of resources to manage this vast expanse.
Advocating Park Entry Fees: A Controversial Discourse
Charging a mere euro per vehicle for accessing Teide could generate an annual revenue exceeding half a million euros for the National Park. The implementation of such a charge, as observed in the Timanfaya National Park, could catalyse numerous positive developments. It remains a baffling mystery to me as to why there isn’t a nominal fee to visit Mount Teide despite unanimous agreement on its potential benefits.
Risk Perils of Inaction
The consequences could be dire. The delicate high-altitude ecosystem of Teide and its irreplaceable biodiversity necessitate intensified protective measures. The overwhelming visitor traffic stands as a primary threat. Regrettably, not all visitors to the Teide National Park adhere to regulations or appreciate their significance. The absence of adequate personnel and resources to oversee such a vast territory exacerbates the predicament, warranting immediate intervention.
