The Cabildo de Tenerife is set to initiate proceedings against the organiser of a recent event held at Diego Hernández Beach in La Caleta (Adeje), which may result in a fine of 6,000 euros. This incident is the latest in a series of violations occurring in the island’s protected natural areas, a trend that has been increasing significantly in recent times. This is evidenced by annual statistics published yesterday, indicating a rise of 37.8% in the number of cases of infractions recorded between 2023 (564) and 2024 (906).
Further Penalties
This figure only accounts for the reports made by the Environment Agents of the Cabildo de Tenerife. Additionally, around 250 complaints were filed by the Nature Protection Service (Seprona) of the Civil Guard, alongside approximately a hundred by the Canarian Police, both demonstrating an exponential increase compared to the previous year.
Growth in Reports
In total, island agents registered 906 complaints regarding environmental violations in 2024, reflecting a 37.8% increase from the 564 incidents recorded in 2023. Of these, 612 were under the jurisdiction of the Cabildo itself, while 294 were forwarded to appropriate authorities for further action, including the Canarian environmental protection agency, the State Air Security Agency, and the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office.
Types of Violations
More specifically, they documented 114 infringement records directly connected to protected natural areas, covering issues such as unauthorised camping, unauthorised activities, off-road vehicle use, violations concerning forest fire prevention, waste disposal, and abandonment of materials. The remainder of the violations involved hunting activities, environmental safeguarding, forest services, livestock and grazing management, as well as activities within Teide National Park.
Fines
The penalties for infractions differ based on the type of violation committed. For instance, starting a fire in a Protected Natural Space with significant risk to physical safety can incur a fine of 6,000 euros. Driving, stopping, or parking a vehicle off-track in protected natural areas (which may pose a danger to pedestrians) can result in fines ranging between 1,500 to 6,000 euros. Additionally, organising a profit-making event without proper authorisation incurs a 600 euro fine, while camping may attract fines of between 700 to 1,000 euros depending on risk factors, such as proximity to wooded areas or fire surveillance, and hunting during closed seasons can lead to a 1,000 euro fine.
Regulatory Framework
Moreover, fines can also be imposed for violations of the Citizen Security Law, with amounts varying from 601 to 600,000 euros, depending on the severity and specifics of the offence. Article 39 concerning sanctions specifies this gradation.
Increased Surveillance
The ongoing surveillance operations in Tenerife’s protected areas, which encompass 52% of the island’s land, will continue to address these inappropriate behaviours that are exhibited both by residents and tourists. The environmental agents of the island’s Cabildo work closely with the Canarian Police and the aforementioned Seprona of the Civil Guard to eliminate activities that threaten the rich biodiversity of Tenerife.
