The Government of Tenerife and the Buenavista del Norte City Council have reached an agreement to regulate the operations of the Masca ravine pier, a crucial infrastructure to manage the bustling activity associated with environmental, sports, and recreational tourism.
Recently, the Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, and Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, alongside Buenavista’s mayor, Eva García, convened to review the utilization of the Masca pier for the upcoming summer season.
This development comes in addition to the existing regulation for organizing visits to the Masca ravine trail through an online booking system, which has successfully reduced the number of accidents along the route.
In a statement, Blanca Pérez explains that “this inter-administrative agreement aims to enhance services and enhance security in an environmentally sensitive area.”
She further highlights that “following the restoration and enhancement of the ravine trail, both the Government and the Buenavista City Council have decided to collaborate in opening the pier for public use this summer, a pivotal element in managing visits to the Masca ravine path.”
The initial agreed action involves extending the working hours of the onsite guards. While in previous summers, their service spanned from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., they will now cover the period from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., benefitting from the extended daylight hours during this season. Winter operating hours will remain from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“We have opted to implement enhanced control and security measures at the pier area to minimize the degradation caused by the increasing footfall from sea arrivals, especially leisure tourists, and those who access the ravine from the town after exploration,” remarks Blanca Pérez.
Eva García emphasises the importance of collaboration between the City Council and the Government for managing spaces and natural resources such as Masca, the Masca pier, and Punta de Teno.
She states, “I believe this marks a significant moment for the Buenavista municipality as it responds to demands regarding the stewardship of our spaces. Following the pier’s improved management, attention will turn to the Punta de Teno pier.”
The usage guidelines will permit the boarding and disembarking of passengers, with a fee applicable for the regulated service.
In addition, eco-friendly anchoring for up to four boats will be allowed at the Masca ravine mouth, along with the arrival of kayaks and canoes.
Furthermore, activities stemming from private boats will be monitored via digital means, given that the Los Gigantes cliffs are a sanctuary for protected bird species.
The pier’s management will be overseen by the public company Tragsa at the behest of the Government.
