Socialist Party Condemns New Teide Park Plan
The Socialist Party (PSOE) in Tenerife has rejected the new Teide National Park Management Plan (PRUG), arguing it “fails to address the overcrowding of the Canary Islands’ main protected natural space.” Tamara Raya, the party’s insular general secretary, stated that the plan also “does not act against invasive species such as mouflon, rabbits, and even feral cats.”
Approved Without Key Support
Raya emphasised that “we cannot agree with a PRUG that is approved without consulting environmental groups, the scientific community, or the Mountaineering Federation.” She recalled that “all these associations voted unfavourably on the approval of this document.” Among the reasons for the PSOE’s rejection, Raya highlighted that the new plan “does not contemplate the main problems of Teide National Park,” something she notes “the Spanish National Research Council makes very clear in a damning report.”
Critical Shortfalls Identified
In her analysis, Tamara Raya explained that the document intended to regulate activity in this protected space “relaxes conservation measures, ignores the overcrowding of a park with more than five million visitors a year, fails to act against invasive species, and reduces research.” She added that a crucial aspect “such as the potential impact of climate change is also not taken into account.” The regional MP argued that the PSOE “agrees with many of the issues raised by various groups, which are calling for a comprehensive review of the plan.”
Budget Cements Opposition
In her criticism, Tamara Raya did not overlook financial aspects, accusing the island government (CC-PP coalition) of “reducing the budget directed at the conservation of the national park.” In 2026, it will be just over €9.8 million, a drop of €237,000 (2.35%) compared to the current year, in which the Island Council had less than €10.1 million. Other Socialist sources also pointed out that the budget for the Island Corporation’s Natural Environment department is being cut by €2.45 million (from €75.42m to €72.97m), “despite having €4.8 million more in income from the forest cent levy.” The PSOE notes that “with this budget, the Island Council develops the forest and environmental management of the island, including Teide National Park.”
Mobility Plan in Development
The president of the Island Council, Rosa Dávila, announced yesterday that they are working “step by step” on developing the mobility plan for the Teide PRUG, a task entrusted to the Island Corporation. Without wanting to speculate on specific deadlines, she hopes the document can be operational before the end of 2026. She commented that the philosophy behind tackling this challenge is to “organise” visits and give priority to collective and public transport.
New Plan Set to Take Effect
The new Teide Plan redefines how one of the country’s most emblematic natural spaces is managed. It establishes four distinct zones with different criteria for access, protection, and permitted activities. The Management Plan was approved this past Monday by the regional Governing Council and published yesterday in the Official Bulletin of the Canary Islands (BOC). It will come into force in 15 days, on Friday 19 December.
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