Saturday, June 7, 08:00 am, Roques de García area, Teide National Park.
The day and time of the protest called by the "Canarias tiene un límite" platform against the economic development model. This protest continues despite the rejection by the Cabildo of Tenerife, publicly announced a week ago by its president, Rosa Dávila, and a negative report from the park’s own technical staff. The Government Subdelegation confirmed the authorization, a decision the insular corporation "accepts but does not agree with," according to Blanca Pérez, the Natural Environment councilor.
After the state government body dismissed the proposal to move the protest to the nearby area of El Portillo de la Villa, within the Corona Forestal Natural Park, alternative sources from the Cabildo explained that this alternative location, near the initially planned site, offers better logistical conditions and does not interfere with main traffic. They emphasize, "the call includes partially closing the TF-21 road for six hours, which is vital for the daily operation of the National Park." The proposal aimed to allow the protest to take place under conditions that would not compromise park safety or organization. Park Director Manuel Durbán issued a negative report detailing that events like this require specific procedures.
They stress that "Teide is not just a protected area but a symbol for this island, for all Tenerife residents, and the national parks represent the highest level of environmental protection in Spain."
Compliance
"Evidently, we do not agree with the Government Subdelegation’s decision, although we comply," Blanca Pérez emphasizes. She believes "it is unacceptable to authorize this demonstration despite the park’s reports—not from this councilor or the Cabildo president, but from the technicians who conclude it should not be carried out." Pérez recalls the alternative of El Portillo, outside the National Park, "but that was not considered." In any case, she adds, "It seems incoherent both from the Subdelegation and from the ecologist organizations." She argues, "I believe that advocating for saving nature by damaging it is not acceptable."
Blanca Pérez understands that "Teide National Park is an emblem of this island and should not become an ideological and political weapon." She emphasizes, "I think there are other places to express the desired claims."
Symbol
Pérez values that "Teide National Park is a symbol, not only that, but it also represents the highest ecological level natural space, and such situations should not occur." The councilor recalls that "especially considering the significant efforts made by the Tenerife Cabildo to regulate access to Teide, we are working on a mobility plan to control them."
Eco-taxes
The Councilor for Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies also points out that "the eco-taxes we are going to implement in the park will represent a turning point for its operation. Access to the Peak already is, to overcome the absolute overcrowding of recent years, which this Cabildo has controlled with measures."
Firm
Rosa Dávila was firm a few days ago in rejecting the initiative, stating that Teide "is not a backdrop for ideological battles, nor a theme park or a protest ground, but a natural sanctuary to be respected and protected." She stressed that "protesting for nature while pushing nature to its limits is an unacceptable contradiction." She explained that "a gathering in the heart of the National Park is not a gesture of love for the land, it is recklessness." She concluded, "This call is a serious mistake that discredits those who promote it and puts a highly ecologically valuable natural space at risk."
Silent
Sources from the Subdelegation defended the impossibility of prohibiting the gathering. Meanwhile, the organizing collectives clarify that the protest will involve crossing the TF-21 from La Ruleta to the Parador, in a round-trip journey during a "respectful and conscious" action in harmony with the environment. Visitors will be asked to respect the park’s values, avoid parking outside official areas, and stay on designated trails. The march will be silent, on asphalt or sidewalks, without amplified sound, shouting, slogans, or banners fixed to the ground.
