SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 19 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Cabildo of Tenerife announced on Tuesday that Environment officers have lodged over 300 administrative complaints and have moved 8 cases of environmental offences to the criminal courts this year.
Furthermore, since 2016 they have examined and reported a total of 44 criminal cases.
This information was shared during the ‘Environmental Crime Investigation Course’ aimed at Environmental officers, which was led by the Provincial Prosecutor for the Environment, Rafael Ruiz Ibáñez, alongside Environmental officers from Catalonia, Madrid, and Tenerife.
According to the Cabildo, the course aimed to enhance the training of officers through presentations on current affairs, strengths, and threats faced by agents, as well as on identifying environmental crimes and how to conduct appropriate investigations and implement the necessary procedures for the judicial authority.
A key aspect of the training was ensuring that professionals can differentiate between a straightforward administrative infraction and a more serious offence that might be classified as a crime under the Penal Code.
Environmental officers have conducted investigations into alleged crimes related to territorial planning, natural resources, flora and fauna, forest fires, as well as animal cruelty or abandonment, among other issues.
The Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, stated that the Cabildo is “fortunate” to have a team of Environmental officers who have dedicated nearly thirty years “to the care and protection” of natural areas.
AN EXEMPLARY TEAM
“Today we have an outstanding group of men and women who have no peer in the Canary Islands and serve as a national example. In this regard, we will do everything within our power to promote their training, sustain their high motivation, and foster their dedication,” she emphasised.
Blanca Pérez highlighted that “these training sessions are crucial for deepening the investigation of enforcement actions and for exploring methods to prevent activities that cause significant harm to the environment.”
Meanwhile, the insular director of the Natural Environment, Pedro Millán, praised the contribution of the Provincial Prosecutor for the Environment, Rafael Ruiz Ibáñez, for providing “undeniable support” to the Environmental officers.
“This has enabled professionals to perform their duties with remarkable efficiency. We are referring not just to the ongoing training they receive, but also to the enthusiasm they exhibit daily in their monitoring and safeguarding of our island’s natural spaces,” he remarked.
Additionally, one of the course organisers, Jonás Hernández, expressed gratitude to the provincial prosecutor Rafael Ruiz for his involvement and support throughout the two-day course.
He consistently conveyed his eagerness to collaborate further with Environmental officers in prosecuting environmental crimes and executing the necessary procedures for the judicial system.
“Without a doubt, enhancing coordination and partnership with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, as well as with the Security Forces and Corps, will significantly contribute to achieving our objectives of protecting our natural values,” he underscored.
