The Cabildo of Tenerife is undertaking enhancement projects within the palm groves of the Anaga and Teno Rural Parks, as well as the Interián Site of Scientific Interest, with the objective of reducing the risk of forest fires. The initiative involves an expenditure of 455,000 euros, with 55,000 being funded by the Cabildo and the remainder sourced from the European Agricultural Fund for Local Development (EAFRD).
This initiative is being implemented in two phases. At present, pruning activities are occurring on 220 palm trees within the Anaga Rural Park, particularly in the regions of Taganana, Igueste de San Andrés, Bajamar, and El Cercado. Concurrently, efforts are underway in the Interián Site of Scientific Interest, focusing on the removal of dead palm trunk remains and in the Rambla de Castro, while in Teno, pruning activities are being conducted on approximately 130 palm trees in the vicinity of the Masca hamlet in Buenavista.
The initial phase of this project, managed by the company C-Amelia 16 SL, represents an investment of 55,000 euros. The second phase, scheduled to commence in October and executed by the public enterprise Gesplan, is set to involve an investment of 400,000 euros, funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Local Development (EAFRD).
The Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) is a native and protected species endemic to the midlands of the Islands, typically found at altitudes ranging from 200 to 500 metres. It is exceptionally suited to its surroundings and can attain heights of up to 30 metres. In Tenerife, these palms thrive in urban settings, yet their magnificent stature reaches remarkable heights in rural areas where they grow naturally, whether as solitary specimens or in palm groves.
The island councillor responsible for the Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, highlights that palm groves “are integral to the island’s scenery, enhancing natural spaces of significant environmental importance in both rural and urban settings.” However, this species tends to accumulate dry foliage and combustible materials within its crowns and at the base, which can exacerbate the spread of fires if unaddressed. Consequently, through cleaning and pruning, we are able to manage diseases and pests that pose a threat, such as the red palm weevil.”
The second phase is set to commence in October, with the operational areas being expanded to mitigate the existing fuel load in zones adjacent to populated regions.
