anaga mobility strategy meeting 2026

Anaga residents clash with council over sustainability

Residents clash with councillors over Anaga sustainability strategy

The Anaga Visitor Centre at Cruz del Carmen hosted the presentation of the draft Sustainable Mobility Strategy for the Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve on Monday, 22 June. The councillor for Mobility outlined the study’s findings, which will serve as the basis for defining measures aimed at easing traffic congestion in the massif. The goal is to strike a balance between the daily lives of those who live in Anaga and the growing number of visitors, ensuring that this pressure does not ultimately compromise a territory recognised internationally for its natural value.

Actions speak louder than words

The tone of the debate shifted noticeably when the councillor for the Natural Environment, Blanca Pérez, took the floor. Faced with criticism from some local representatives, the island’s councillor preferred to respond with actions already carried out rather than making new promises. One of the most vocal critics was Fulgencio Ramos, from Casas de la Cumbre, who lamented that, for years, there had been a succession of “empty toasts” and decisions that, in his view, had ultimately harmed those living in Anaga.

Blanca Pérez chose to bring the discussion down to the level of concrete facts. She noted that, during the three years of the current administration, the Natural Environment department has allocated twelve million euros to Anaga. When combined with work carried out by the Roads department, led by Dámaso Arteaga, that figure could reach around seventeen million euros by the close of the current financial year.

“Where do you want me to move that funding?”

The demands from some residents went beyond mobility issues. Several attendees criticised the fact that Anaga is promoted as a premier tourist destination while locals barely see any return from European funds linked to the Biosphere Reserve. The councillor responded with specific examples. “We are investing in a sustainable economy; this is economic promotion,” she said, before pointing to a case that, in her view, reflects the path the Cabildo intends to follow. “Look at El Batán. Thanks to improvements in communications in El Batán Alto, people are planting again. And that is thanks to the residents. That should be the general trend.”

The conversation intensified again when the allocation of planned investments for various settlements in the massif was questioned. At that point, Blanca Pérez issued a direct challenge to those present: “There is a 700,000-euro project planned for Roque Negro; tell me where you want me to move that budget line.” The remark summed up the message the councillor wanted to convey throughout the meeting: the investment is there, but the priority is to decide, together with the residents, where it is most needed. The challenge, she insisted, is to look after those who live in Anaga, protect a natural area of enormous environmental value, and maintain a tourism industry compatible with both objectives.

Source

Scroll to Top