A state-of-the-art drone has been provided to the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) of the Civil Guard by the Cabildo de Tenerife. This device, valued at 3,000 euros and capable of video definition at distances of up to 15 kilometres, aims to enhance Environmental Oversight across the island, particularly in relation to the Protection of natural areas. President of the island, Rosa Dávila, emphasised the collaboration between various administrations for the preservation of the natural environment.
Features
The drone is fitted with a high-resolution camera, a 360-degree obstacle detection system, and high-definition video transmission (HD) over the previously mentioned 15 kilometres, enabling real-time monitoring.
Flight Duration
With a flight autonomy of 43 minutes, the drone will facilitate the oversight of protected zones, bolstering efforts in environmental oversight, identifying irregular activities, and monitoring hard-to-reach areas.
Evaluation
Following yesterday’s Governing Council, the president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, alongside the insular vice president, Lope Afonso, announced the drone’s allocation. Dávila remarked that “the monitoring and safeguarding of natural areas is one of the critical aspects of our management.” She added, “To achieve this, it is necessary to have adequate personnel and the corresponding material resources,” which, as she explained, “includes unmanned aerial vehicles.” The president concluded: “This drone enhances collaboration between administrations, and Seprona will gain access to new technological instruments to further her environmental protection duties.”
Safeguarding
The Minister for Natural Environment, Sustainability and Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, stated that “in addition to the efforts of our Environment Agents, the cooperation and coordination among administrations for the monitoring of protected natural spaces is crucial. Nearly half of the island of Tenerife, 48% of the surface area, is under some form of environmental protection, and technology will enable us to advance our conservation and safeguarding initiatives.”
Assistance
With respect to the Civil Guard on the island, it is notable that the CC and PP, parties in the insular government, are urging the interior ministry not to dissolve the reserve and security group No. 8 (GRS 8) of the Canary Islands, which is currently based in Tenerife-Norte. They plan to present a motion during this month’s plenary session to express their support for the “essential role” of the Benemérita. Spokesmen José Miguel Ruano and Lope Afonso detailed “a genuine commitment” reflected in the allocation of 20,000 euros in the 2025 budget “to assist the Arafo City Council in amending their planning and allocating land” where the Ministry of Interior “is executing a project,” allowing this unit to establish a new base.
Nursery Support
The Governing Council has approved an extension of the nursery check budget to 1.3 million euros, after receiving 2,034 applications in the latest round, demonstrating an increase of 534 compared to the previous year, representing a 36% rise from the 1,500 submissions in the programme’s inaugural period. Rosa Dávila noted that the surge in demand highlights the increasing need for financial assistance for the education of children under three years old. This led to the additional funding, augmenting the initial investment of 1.2 million euros, with the goal of addressing the waiting list and ensuring no eligible family is left without support. “This increase reflects the commitment made since the programme’s inception,” emphasised Dávila, who concluded: “Our aim is to assist Tenerife families in balancing work and family life.” The nursery cheque allows for up to 800 euros per family unit to cover costs such as enrolment, childcare, hygiene, meals, and clothing while also providing families the liberty to choose their children’s centre. The Cabildo anticipates reaching over 6,000 families during this term (2023-2027).
