Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 19 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The Vice President of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Lope Afonso, reminded on Wednesday that the island institution is solely “restricted” to approving the land intervention regarding the draft of island interest currently under consideration in the guide of Isora, ‘Underwater Garden’, thus it is “excluded” from its involvement in the sea, where the authority for authorising actions lies with the state.
In a press conference addressing the agreements of the government council, Afonso explained that the Cabildo’s role is confined to approving the land intervention of this insular interest draft, following an understanding in the last mandate that deemed it to meet the necessary conditions for such promotion.
He further clarified that the island institution lacks the authority to intervene in the authorisation within the maritime area related to the project, as this falls under “state competence, which is managed by the General Directorate of Marine Environment.”
“Our involvement is completely outside of what may transpire there,” the island vice president indicated.
Concurrently, he assured that the Cabildo, from an administrative perspective, will continue with “the corresponding environmental requirements” and the application of the planning integrated within that particular area of the municipality of Guide of Isora during the land phase.
“We do not have any political evaluation to conduct, but rather to ensure adherence to what we have been tasked with,” he added.
Afonso’s comments followed inquiries regarding the objections from nearly thirty social and sports groups to the ‘Underwater Garden’ initiative.
They have recently raised concerns about the social and ecological “impact” this project could impose on the island, arguing that the initiative is a “disguised” attempt at marine regeneration and sustainability.
