SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 4 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The representative of the Independent Herreña Group (AHI) and spokesperson for the Mixed Group in the Parliament of the Canary Islands, Raúl Acosta, will advocate in the upcoming plenary session with the backing of the groups supporting the regional Government for a Non-Law Proposal (PNL) that aims to temporarily halt the creation of the National Marine Park in the Sea of Las Calmas, situated on the island of El Hierro, until a “broad consensus” is established among local authorities, Herreña organisations, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the central Government.
The marine park initiative, put forward by the Spanish Government and approved by the Council of Ministers since 30 July at the request of the Minister for Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, will result in the establishment of the first entirely marine National Park in Spain.
Nevertheless, despite the highlighted ecological benefits for its establishment, the residents of El Hierro have voiced their apprehension regarding the potential alterations that this protective designation could impose, particularly in relation to fishing and diving, Acosta cautions in a statement.
In this regard, he emphasised that the people of El Hierro are not against the conservation and safeguarding of their marine environment but seek “clarity and transparency” in the regulations that will impact their traditional practices.
“The Mar de Las Calmas already maintains an exemplary standard of conservation. The residents of El Hierro have safeguarded it for generations through the collective efforts and dedication of fishermen, divers, and the local community. We cannot permit the Spanish Government to impose changes without prior consultation,” the MP asserted.
The PNL presented by Acosta also calls for the central government to supply a draft of the Master Plan that clearly outlines the permitted activities, prohibitions, and zoning of the park, along with a draft Law specifying the precise conditions of the National Marine Park.
“The concerns of the people of El Hierro are justified. They worry that the park’s development will proceed without consideration for the unique aspects of the island, potentially leading to restrictions that adversely impact their way of life. We refuse to accept a blank cheque that jeopardises activities crucial to our identity and economy, such as self-consumption fishing or diving tourism,” states the deputy.
THE THREE COUNCILS AND THE PP, OPPOSED
The Independent Herreña Group is not the sole opponent of the project as it stands, with the three local councils on the island, the Popular Party, and various social groups expressing their disapproval.
In this context, Acosta asserts that it is vital to ensure citizen involvement in decision-making, as “legislation cannot be enacted with disregard for the people of El Hierro.”
The Non-Law Proposal advocates for the suspension of any legislative actions associated with the park’s creation until transparent and thorough dialogue with local institutions and groups is guaranteed, in order to mitigate risks that could disrupt the island’s way of life.
“The Spanish Government must honour the sentiments of the people of El Hierro and guarantee that the future National Marine Park does not pose a threat to their traditional customs and practices,” concludes Acosta.
