The Cabildo de Tenerife will enhance a section of the GR-131 Great Trail from Taganana to La Mota, connecting various populated areas within the Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve.
Recently, the Ministry of Natural Environment, Sustainability, and Safety and Emergencies awarded a contract to GMI SLP engineering study to draft the project, amounting to 14,980 euros, with a completion timeframe of three months.
Blanca Pérez, the Minister for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, remarked in a statement that the aim of this initiative is “to create a walking route, marked with the GR insignia, that enables safe exploration of the Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve and its natural, historical, cultural, and heritage values.”
On his side, Pedro Millán, the island’s Natural Environment Director, elaborates that “this initiative aims to extend the GR 131 great trail by connecting it with Anaga. Existing paths will be improved and signposted.”
In this regard, the project must outline the precise technical solutions and intervention measures required for the proper implementation of the path, in accordance with Decree 11/2005, dated 15 February, which establishes the Canarian network of trails and regulates the conditions for the management, homologation, and maintenance of the paths within the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands.
GR-131 Path
This trail, traversing forested areas and peaks, stands as the sole long-distance path on the island, measuring 85.5 kilometres.
The route features a total ascent of 5,289.59 metres and a total descent of 5,565.58 metres, with its maximum elevation reaching 2,417.57 metres and a minimum of 626.99 metres.
Due to its considerable length, it is typically divided into five segments that can be tackled independently: the hope-the boiler, the boiler-El Portillo, the gate-the sword of Guajara; The Swing of Guajara-Vilaflor, and Vilaflor-Arona.
Last year, the Cabildo de Tenerife initiated a participatory process to develop new walking paths and routes within the Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve.
This included hosting various meetings with the municipalities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, and Tegueste to identify potential inclusions in the existing network.
A primary goal of this strategy is to encourage active mobility, connecting the various settlement areas of the biosphere reserve on foot, while also linking these communities to the myriad natural, heritage, and tourism assets as well as the recreational amenities available, such as leisure spots, shelters, and visitor centres.
Enhancing connectivity within the network is regarded as a cornerstone for upholding the values of the biosphere reserve, alongside environmental education, which is essential for their ongoing conservation.
