SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 26th August (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Tenerife Island Council is undertaking enhancement projects in the palm groves of Anaga and Teno Rural Parks as well as the Interián Site of Scientific Interest to mitigate the risk of forest fires.
These initiatives involve an investment of 455,000 euros, with 55,000 euros funded by the Cabildo and the remainder sourced from the European Agricultural Fund for Local Development (EAFRD).
Blanca Pérez, the Minister for the Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, stated in a release that “the palm tree gathers dry leaves and combustible materials in its crowns and at the base, which could facilitate fire spread if left unaddressed.”
Furthermore, she elaborates, “by cleaning and trimming the palm trees, we can combat diseases and pests affecting them, such as the red palm weevil.”
Pérez emphasises that palm groves “are an essential component of the island’s scenery, enhancing natural spaces of significant ecological value in both rural and urban contexts. The Canary Island palm is an endemic species native to the midlands and is integral to our identity, thus requiring our protection.”
The Minister further explains that one phase of the project is currently ongoing, with a second phase set to commence in October, aiming to broaden the areas of action to reduce the existing fuel load in regions near populated areas.
The project is being executed in two phases. At present, pruning is taking place on 220 palm trees within Anaga Rural Park, particularly in the regions of Taganana, Igueste de San Andrés, Bajamar, and El Cercado.
Activities are also underway in the Interián Site of Scientific Interest, which includes the removal of dead palm tree trunks and along the Rambla de Castro, while in Teno Rural Park, approximately 130 palm trees in the Masca hamlet (Buenavista del Norte) are undergoing pruning.
The second phase is scheduled to commence in October in the specified locations.
The initial phase, executed by C-Amelia 16 SL, involves an outlay of 55,000 euros, while the second phase, which will be undertaken by the public company Gesplan, is projected at 400,000 euros and is financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Local Development (EAFRD).
The Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) is a native and protected species found in the midlands of the islands, typically located at altitudes ranging from 200 to 500 metres. It exhibits excellent environmental adaptability and can grow to heights of 30 metres.
In Tenerife, these palms are entrenched in urban settings, though their impressive stature reaches considerable heights in rural districts where they thrive naturally, either as solitary specimens or in clusters, according to the Cabildo.
