Wolfredo Wildpret, a 90-year-old botany professor at the University of La Laguna, has been the president of the Teide National Park Board since 1983. Wildpret reflects on his early memories of the volcano and warns about the dangers posed by mass tourism.
What does the Teide National Park mean to you?
Everything. I have been linked to the National Park for 50 years, first representing the University of La Laguna, then as the board president and also as an honorary member. I have had many experiences up there.
What is your earliest memory of Teide?
In 1943, when I was 10 years old, I spent a month with my mother in one of my uncle’s houses on Teide. It was not easy to reach there back then. The roads were not paved. I remember the herds of goats around the house and my mother buying fresh milk from the farmers.
How was the Teide before it was declared a National Park?
It was very different from what it is now. There was hardly any vegetation. People struggled back then, and many farmers would take their goats to the summit, as the Guanches had done, for them to feed. It was understandable, but that human activity had depleted the rich and exclusive vegetation. The National Park declaration has allowed us to enjoy one of the best landscapes in Teide’s history. It should be noted that it has a rich biodiversity despite being a high mountain area.
Which flora species captivates you the most?
The Teide violet, a plant I consider the most representative plant symbol of the island of Tenerife. It holds the record for being the highest-growing flower in all of Spain, with some specimens even found very close to the summit, at over 3,600 meters above sea level.
