The Association for the Conservation of Canarian Biodiversity (ACBC) has requested that the Cabildo de Tenerife halt the construction activities taking place in Atogo, Granadilla de Abona, for the purpose of establishing the Tenerife motor circuit, expressing its “strong opposition” to this initiative.
“The initiative, which involves constructing an infrastructure of questionable economic viability and significant environmental impact during both the construction and operational phases, will adversely affect several protected or endangered species, such as the Alcaraván, Milengrana Tenerife, and fine llanta,” the ACBC stated on Monday.
According to the association, “the images circulating on social media illustrate the extent of soil displacement and the devastation of the land where work is ongoing.”
They further remark that “once again, we witness the harm and degradation that such projects inflict on the landscape, biodiversity, and cultural heritage across numerous areas of the island, with the concerning fact that, in this instance, the project promoter is none other than the Cabildo de Tenerife itself.”
In this context, they assert that “vast amounts of taxpayer money are being allocated for facilities and their relevant accesses, neglecting the fact that this new infrastructure leads to an irreversible transformation of a territory that harbours values worthy of protection.”
The association cautions that the ongoing loss of natural habitats poses a “serious threat” to various species, particularly those of steppe birds, highlighting the “alarming” example of the Alcaravan (Burhinus oedicnemus), which is classified as vulnerable in the Spanish catalog of threatened species.
Additionally, two endemic plant species with confirmed presence are being impacted, namely the Milengrana Tenerife (Herniaria canariensis) and the fine lontén (Plantago Asphodeloides), both of which are included in the Canarian catalogue of protected species with a designation of special protection.
“We recognise that, given the current times and the numerous crises we face, such as declared climate emergencies, the alarming decline in biodiversity, and the pollution caused by untreated wastewater discharges into the sea, along with the growing challenges facing our islands,” concludes the ACBC.
