SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 10 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The approval of the Sustainable Mobility Strategy in the Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve was announced today by the Tenerife Island Council during its Governing Council meeting. Rosa Dávila, the President of the Island Council, along with Vice President and Minister of Tourism, Lope Afonso, held a press conference to provide details on the decisions made during the session.
Highlighting the significance of the Anaga Massif, President Dávila stated that it attracts a large number of visitors on a regular basis, including both locals and tourists. Being close to the metropolitan area, it is a favoured recreational spot for the 350,000 residents. In addition to the local population, there are organized tourist groups and individual visitors.
Dávila pointed out that the high volume of visitors poses accessibility challenges in certain areas of Anaga, affecting the residents’ quality of life, socioeconomic progress, and the preservation of the area’s valuable natural and cultural heritage. Anaga is part of the Canary Islands Network of Protected Natural Spaces, the European Ecological Network Natura 2000, and the International Network of Biosphere Reserves.
This strategy, developed in collaboration with Anaga residents, aims to enhance their quality of life and establish a sustainable mobility framework for this ecologically and culturally significant area. The focus is on promoting an efficient, safe, and environmentally respectful mobility system.
The design of the Mobility Strategy is scheduled to take one year and will involve cooperation from the municipalities that oversee the roads in this natural area (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, and Tegueste), as well as local community groups and relevant stakeholders.
An “in-depth” analysis of the current situation will be conducted under this strategy, evaluating the effectiveness of the public transportation network, accessibility, parking availability and location, cyclist safety, road capacity for cycle lanes, path network, and environmental and noise pollution, among other factors.
Within the Mobility Strategy framework, a mixed transport system will be introduced, prioritizing regular public transport, shuttle services, on-demand transport, and private vehicles. Dávila emphasized the aim of integrating all modes of transportation to reduce costs, waiting times, and enhance mobility for residents and visitors alike.
