The Ecologist Association Save the Tejita has lodged a complaint with the Court of Arona against the developer of the tourist urbanisation of the soul (Second Casa Adeje SL) for the commission of a possible offence against the historical heritage.
Similarly, an administrative complaint has been submitted regarding the same matters to the General Directorate of Culture and Cultural Heritage of the Government of the Canary Islands, which in 2023 decided upon a sum of up to 600,000 euros.
In a statement, the association explains that in 2022, an archaeological site of significant potential was destroyed, featuring engravings and cabaña structures despite receiving two unfavourable reports from the heritage department of the Cabildo de Tenerife, along with an archaeological report compiled by Arqueocanarias sl, a company contracted by the developer in 2019, which “was concealed from the authorities.”
This report identified the site that was subsequently demolished, and despite having proof of its existence, it mentions that “the developer permitted the machinery to destroy it.”
Furthermore, it is stated that this report overlooked the presence of at least three engraving panels (the most safeguarded archaeological assets).
This site, marked by the authorities as PA 4, was also intentionally partially destroyed for a second time using heavy machinery, even after being enclosed by the administration, he asserts.
The Association believes that “the facts have not prescribed” and that administrative penalties can still be applied, notwithstanding the current Government of the Canary Islands dismissing the sanction file.
Save the Tejita hopes that the Director General, Miguel Ángel Clavijo, “will fulfil his fundamental responsibility in the management and safeguarding of heritage and proceed to restart the sanctioning file that expired when he assumed the role in the summer of 2023.”
If this does not happen, it warns, the association may consider initiating legal actions against this institution, asserting that “it could be favouring and benefiting a construction company with established criminal evidence.”
Following two and a half months without a response, Save the Tejita is awaiting an answer from the General Directorate of Culture and Historical Heritage regarding their request for the release of the file on heritage reports related to the cradle of the soul.
The environmental groups filing the complaint aim to ensure that “justice is served, that no alleged crime goes unpunished, and, above all, that construction projects causing irreversible harm in the last few unspoiled areas of southwest Tenerife are halted.”
