The response from Canarian authorities to the demands arising from the demonstrations on April 20 has been positive. On the island most affected by crises such as the long-standing collapse of its land traffic and a significant population increase in recent years, the Tenerife Council is now proposing to introduce a fee for access to natural and protected spaces. This includes two key Canarian natural treasures – the Teide National Park and the Anaga Rural Park. The system would be similar to the model followed in Lanzarote for the Timanfaya National Park, which offers a 100% discount for residents.
Residents of Tenerife will be exempt from this additional charge, with the revenue generated aimed at protecting these spaces, which currently face challenges due to a lack of resources, as highlighted by conservationists.
This proposal, described as an “ecotax” by the Tenerife Island Council President, Rosa Dávila, is set to be presented to the plenary session. Vice President Lope Afonso has referred to it as a “finalist rate” focused on the conservation and enhancement of visitor experiences.
Dávila stated that this initiative will proceed regardless of the Canary Islands Government’s response. The Tax Consortium is already assessing the necessary structure for collecting fees for accessing these natural spaces.
The initially identified protected areas for this fee implementation are the Teide National Park, the Anaga Rural Park, and the Teno Park, with the possibility of more locations being added later. Social media portrays the overcrowding and vandalism within these protected areas, caused by unauthorized activities and littering from visitors and residents, threatening the appeal of Tenerife’s main attractions.
However, the implementation of such a fee for accessing the Teide National Park requires approval from the Spanish Government. Dávila has sent a letter to the Secretary of State for the Environment, urging consideration of the proposal and potential amendments to the National Parks Law.
Dávila believes that regulatory changes are viable, enabling fees for park access based on the pressure each park receives. The situation in Las Cañadas, particularly due to inadequate security personnel, has surpassed permissible limits.
Fixed prices are yet to be determined as the process is under analysis, with the ultimate goal being to enhance visitor experiences and protect these spaces.
The Precedent from Last October
In October 2023, the Vice President and Minister of Tourism, Lope Afonso, initiated discussions on the possibility of implementing a tourist tax for visiting the Teide National Park, aligning with the current intentions.
Dávila highlighted ongoing efforts to study the carrying capacity of protected areas in Tenerife. Additionally, since last Easter, the Canarian Police have been monitoring these spaces.
Collaborative work with the municipalities of La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife aims to address mobility issues in Anaga, and partnerships with Buenavista focus on enhancing the visitor experience in Masca.
Dávila hopes for multi-party support in tomorrow’s plenary session to advance the legal and economic evaluation for the proposed “finalist rate”.
