The Cabildo of Tenerife announced on Tuesday that environmental agents have lodged over 300 administrative complaints and have escalated eight cases of environmental infractions to criminal proceedings this year.
Furthermore, since 2016, they have scrutinised and reported a cumulative total of 44 criminal cases.
The statistics were revealed during the Environmental Crime Investigation Course designed for environmental agents, delivered by the Provincial Prosecutor for the Environment, Rafael Ruiz Ibáñez, alongside environmental agents from Catalonia, Madrid, and Tenerife.
The aim of the course, as stated by the Cabildo, was to enhance the training of agents through lectures on current issues, strengths, and challenges they face, alongside the identification of environmental crimes and the correct procedures necessary for the proper investigation, ensuring they could be presented to the judicial authorities.
A fundamental aspect of this training has been enabling professionals to differentiate between a standard administrative violation and a considerably more serious offence that could constitute a crime under the Penal Code.
Environmental agents have conducted inquiries into suspected violations related to land use planning, exploitation of natural resources, protection of flora and fauna, forest fires, as well as cases of animal cruelty or neglect, among other concerns.
Blanca Pérez, the Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, asserts that the Cabildo is “fortunate” to have a group of environmental agents who have dedicated nearly three decades to “the care and preservation” of natural areas.
“Today, we boast a team of truly exceptional individuals, unmatched across the Canary Islands, serving as an example nationally. In that respect, we are committed to doing everything we can to promote their training, high motivation, and dedication,” she emphasised.
Blanca Pérez underscored that “these training sessions are vital for deepening the investigation of sanctioning procedures and exploring ways to prevent actions that severely damage the environment.”
Meanwhile, Pedro Millán, the insular director of the Natural Environment, praised the contributions made by Provincial Prosecutor Rafael Ruiz Ibáñez, who provides “undeniable support” to the environmental agents.
“This has enabled professionals to execute their duties with remarkable effectiveness. We are not only referring to the ongoing training they engage in but also to the dedication they show daily in surveilling and safeguarding the island’s natural spaces,” he remarked.
Jonás Hernández, one of the course organisers, expressed gratitude to provincial prosecutor Rafael Ruiz for his involvement and encouragement during the two-day course duration.
He consistently conveyed his intention to continue collaborating with environmental agents in prosecuting environmental crimes and ensuring proper procedures are followed for presentation to the judicial authorities.
“Undoubtedly, enhancing coordination and collaboration with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, as well as with the Security Forces and Corps, will be exceedingly beneficial to achieving our goals of protecting our natural assets,” he affirmed.
