The Ecologist Association Save the Tejita has lodged a complaint in Arona’s court against the developer of the tourist project ‘Cuna del Alma’ – segunda Casa Adeje SL – alleging a possible offence against historical heritage.
Similarly, they have submitted an administrative complaint regarding the same matters to the General Directorate of Culture and Cultural Heritage of the Canary Islands Government, which in 2023 opted to initiate a sanctioning procedure for multiple infractions deemed serious, potentially resulting in a fine of up to 600,000 euros.
In a press release, the association explains that an archaeological site of significant value was destroyed in 2022, featuring engravings and cabin structures, despite receiving two adverse reports from the Heritage Area of the Cabildo de Tenerife and an archaeological assessment conducted by Arqueocanarias SL, a consultancy engaged by the developer in 2019, which “was concealed from the authorities”.
This evaluation identified the site that was ultimately destroyed, and despite evidence of its existence, the statement asserts, “the developer permitted the machinery to obliterate it.”
Furthermore, it indicates that this report disregarded the presence of at least three registered panels, which have the highest level of protection.
This site, officially recognised by the authorities as ‘PA 4’, was also partially obliterated for a second time intentionally by heavy machinery, even after it had been enclosed by the authorities, the statement claims.
The Association believes that “the facts have not prescribed” and can still be subject to sanctions in administrative channels, notwithstanding the fact that the current Government of the Canary Islands terminated the sanction case.
Save the Tejita urges the Director General, Miguel Ángel Clavijo, “to fulfil his paramount responsibility in managing and safeguarding heritage and to recommence the sanctioning case that he allowed to lapse upon assuming his position in the summer of 2023.”
If this does not occur, they cautioned that the association may consider initiating legal actions against this institution, believing it could be favouring a construction firm of which there are already substantial criminal indications.
After a two-and-a-half-month wait without a reply, Save the Tejita is anticipating a response from the General Directorate of Culture and Historical Heritage regarding their request for the delivery of the file on heritage reports associated with ‘Cuna del Alma’.
The protesting environmental organisations seek to ensure that “justice is served, that no alleged crime goes unpunished, and, above all, that construction works that are causing irreversible damage in the last untouched area of the southwest of Tenerife are halted.”
