The Anaga rural park spans an expanse of 14,419 hectares, located across the municipalities of La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Tegueste. This natural area, designated as a Biosphere Reserve, faces an invasion not only from visitors but also from exotic flora that poses a significant threat to the indigenous vegetation. Non-native species, such as cat’s tail, ipomea vine, or violet bell, along with two varieties of clause leaf, lycopodium, and multicava, are increasingly overtaking regions within the Afur valley, Roque Negro, and Taborno, including various succulent plants that occupy entire slopes.
Local inhabitants of the hamlets, primarily engaged in agriculture, feel powerless against the spread of invasive flora that engulfs their lands, climbs up walls, and encroaches upon the roadways. The Cabildo has responded by assigning only a single team of climbers in an attempt to halt this encroachment. “We question if a single crew can effectively manage all of Anaga; at the very least, there ought to be two teams of climbers and another two crews on the ground,” express those affected in this matter.
Consequently, the socialist group has declared its intention to propose a motion at the upcoming plenary session of the Cabildo concerning the augmentation of staff dedicated to eliminating invasive species within the Anaga massif. This comes after local neighbourhood associations have appealed to the insular corporation for an increase in personnel. They assert that, despite the commendable efforts of the current team, “it is undeniably insufficient.”
