Since the commencement of the environmental management and preservation strategy for the La Laguna ravines just over a month ago, 16% of the proposed actions have already been implemented, with approximately 25 tons of waste removed, alongside 5 tons of reeds and an additional 2.5 tons of shrubs. This information comes from Gesplan, a public entity under the Ministry of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water of the Canary Islands Government, which is carrying out this project on behalf of the Lagunero City Council, with a municipal investment of one million euros and a total duration of six months.
The Environment Councillor, Domingo Galván, commended these initiatives, highlighting their importance for both the conservation of the local ecosystem and ensuring safety against potential flooding during the rainy season.
He elaborated that the efforts are centred on cleaning and enhancing channels, which includes the removal of invasive species like reed (Arundo donax), posing a risk to both water flow and indigenous species. These activities, executed using specialised machinery as well as manual labour in hard-to-reach areas, are facilitating the clearing of the main channels and their surroundings, thus enhancing their capacity to direct stormwater.
Moreover, the removal of solid waste accumulated in the channels is being undertaken, a crucial measure to prevent environmental pollution and ensure a healthier habitat. “These efforts not only remove potential obstructions in the water flow but also bolster the sustainability of our natural resources,” Galván remarked.
The operations commenced in October, with interventions taking place weekly in various channels, including those in Tabares, Jiménez and Vinagre, as well as more urban locales such as La Vega and its vicinity, along with Mesa Mota and others like El Rodeo and El Ortigal in the Northeast Region, among others.
Specifically, action has already been undertaken in the Chamorro and Las Cuevas ravines, including their Rodeo and Las Casas sections; as well as in the Santos ravine, across the La Rúa – La Carnicería, Camino Pozo Cabildo, El Rincón and Valle Colino ravine sections.
In terms of waste management, around 25 tons (the equivalent of two trucks) of various refuse, such as household items, paper, cardboard, glass and plastics, have already been extracted from the channels, according to data from Gesplan. This initiative is supported by the Municipal Services Department, overseen by Fran Hernández, responsible for the collection of this type of waste.
Furthermore, as part of the environmental conservation activities, 5 tons of reeds and 2.5 tons of shrubs have been harvested and shredded in the ravines receiving attention. In the particular case of sugarcane, the regular cutting and sustained upkeep of sugarcane fields aims to meet two principal objectives: firstly, to ensure that the new reeds are more manageable in future interventions; secondly, to eliminate old remnants which, if untreated, could potentially be washed away by rain, thereby reducing the chance of obstructions and possible harm to downstream areas.
“These initiatives are a component of our ongoing maintenance efforts which, year after year, enhance the overall condition of the ravines, bolster the control of invasive species and naturally regulate water levels,” stated Galván.
