The representative for Nueva Canarias-Bloque Canarista (NC-BC) in Tenerife, Valentín Correa, cautioned this Thursday regarding the “risk” that the initiation of the work on the Motor Circuit may pose to numerous archaeological sites and indigenous species, as confirmed by the island council itself along with the social archaeology group Imastanen.
Correa reiterated that it is the “duty” of the Cabildo to safeguard this indigenous and natural heritage and claimed that the General Directorate of Nature Protection of the Government of the Canary Islands and the Territorial Planning, Historical Heritage and Tourism section of the Cabildo de Tenerife have been informed of the existence of a total of 19 archaeological units, encompassing 17 ethnographic and three architectural.
He also emphasised the recent decision by the island to reassess the environmental impact concerning the emergence of new species that necessitate protection.
The island coordinator for NC-BC elucidated that, through this appeal, they aim to underscore the safeguarding of the archaeological and environmental heritage “which is threatened by the encouragement of this development model,” manifesting in a “highly concerning” manner on the island.
According to Correa, the Imastanen group has emphasised the significance of preserving these archaeological and ethnographic assets within their original context to avert the loss of much of their intrinsic value, which impedes further study, leading to an “effect that will be irreversible.”
Correa highlighted that NC-BC in Tenerife has consistently advocated for the necessity to prioritise “essential investments for an island that is in decline” as opposed to projects such as the “unsustainable” motor circuit.
NC maintains that, “in light of the trajectory this island has endured for decades, it is imperative to promote critical infrastructures” including hospitals in both the northern and southern regions, alongside initiatives for energy and water production.
In this regard, he pointed out that Tenerife is currently confronting a declared water crisis and requires the development of purification and sanitation systems “to prevent the contamination of our coasts with untreated sewage”, as well as a sustainable mobility strategy “to alleviate the detrimental health impacts caused by traffic congestion”, among various other urgent priorities.
Valentín Correa asserts that these deficiencies continue to “severely harm” the island’s socio-economic landscape, and thus the Cabildo Government of CC and PP must address these long-standing issues “that impose pressure on demographics, mobility, the environment, the tourism model, access to housing or public services” prior to any “development policies” regarding issues that divert from the common good and a “sustainable model”.
