– JUANJO VELÁZQUEZ, PHOTOGRAPHER
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 5 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Cabildo of Tenerife has agreed to implement a preventive training action plan following the confirmed presence of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) in Gran Canaria.
This decision was made at a recent meeting of the Beekeeping Table, chaired by the Island Council’s Minister of Primary Sector, Valentín González. The aim of the meeting was to coordinate a preventive response across institutional and sectoral levels, as reported in a press release from the island corporation.
The working meeting included experts from the Casa de la Miel in Tenerife and representatives from several beekeeping associations on the island (APITEN, FOAPI, Northern Tenerife, and APITEIDE), who shared their insights on the situation and the necessary measures to prepare for a potential risk scenario.
Action Plan and Measures
As a result, an informative and preventive action plan has been agreed upon. The proposed measures include:
- Preparation and distribution of an informative note
- Organisation of informational talks
- Enhancement of awareness-raising activities to improve public understanding of this species, its identification, and the appropriate communication channels for reporting potential sightings
A multidisciplinary group will also be established, which can be activated if necessary upon the sighting of potential specimens. This group will consist of representatives from various departments of the Cabildo, the Autonomous Community, the University of La Laguna, and other technical and specialised fields.
Objectives of the Initiative
The Cabildo emphasises that the goal of this initiative is to enhance coordination between administrations, technical personnel, the scientific community, and the beekeeping sector. This is aimed at ensuring an “agile and effective” response structure in the event that this species is detected.
