SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 12th April. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The mayor of La Orotava (Tenerife) and regional deputy of the Canary Coalition (CC) emphasised on Friday the need to show courage in implementing measures to protect the territory amidst the current “analysis of changes and models.” It is crucial for both tourists and residents to invest in safeguarding the natural environment.
“The La Orotava City Council is planning to reclassify over one million square meters of developable land to promote agricultural and livestock initiatives within the municipality, free from any sort of pressure. I am not aware of any other municipality in the islands that has taken such a step,” he highlighted during the ‘First Day of Volunteering and Citizen Participation for the Protection of Geological Heritage’ held at the Telesforo Bravo Visitor Center, which saw participation from over fifty environmental experts.
The event was graced by the Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability and Security and Emergencies, the coordinator of the Heritage and Geodiversity Group of the IGME, Juana Vegas, insular director of the Natural Environment Pedro Millán, Orotava councilors and technicians, and those overseeing the volunteer offices of the Cabildo.
The ‘Sponsor a Rock’ project is an initiative by the IGME, under the purview of the Ministry of Science and Innovation, with the primary objective of ensuring the conservation of geological heritage nationwide, as well as establishing institutional oversight and monitoring, involving volunteers or anyone interested in preserving geological heritage.
In this scenario, volunteers with a passion for geology and nature in general serve as the eyes of the IGME and the institutions, and act as guardians of the vast national heritage through the role of rock sponsors.
Blanca Pérez has praised “the efforts made by the Cabildo in safeguarding the natural environment, as well as the heritage environment, which is one of the key assets we possess on the island and which we must ensure for the benefit of future generations.”
According to her, “it is crucial for citizens to perceive and appreciate the geological heritage we possess from a different perspective, which is truly remarkable but often undisclosed or undervalued. Hence, the significance of supporting such forums where volunteering serves as a conduit for transmitting knowledge about what we inherently have.”
Juana Vegas recollected that the ‘Sponsor a Rock’ initiative commenced in Segovia with resounding success, garnering volunteers, patrons, and advocates actively engaged in defending and preserving Spain’s rich heritage.
In this vein, she underscored that “the project has seen the participation of 5,001 volunteers from across Spain, including 144 in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife,” with 2,151 Places of Geological Interest (LIG) identified, 140 of which are in the western islands, with 56 already sponsored.
