Nature

A massive pile of termite-infected green waste on a private plot in Tacoronte, Tenerife, has forced authorities to build a concrete structure to treat the infestation. The 7,000 cubic metres of pruning waste had grown so large that standard treatment equipment was useless. The outbreak was detected last November, and urgent action is now underway to prevent the insects from spreading to homes.

Greenpeace has submitted formal objections against plans for the Ocean Citizen project in Tenerife’s protected Teno-Rasca marine area, arguing it is a disguised tourism venture. The environmental group claims the project, funded with European money, would harm the EU’s only whale sanctuary. Over 62,000 people have signed a petition opposing the development.

The Cabildo de Tenerife has taken a decisive step towards protecting the island’s marine environment by commissioning a study to create the Teno and Anaga marine reserves. The initiative, first proposed 37 years ago by biologist Juan José Bacallado, aims to reverse the decline in fishing resources and boost biodiversity.

A European volcanic simulation in Tenerife showed the island’s response systems work well, but experts recommend making the population an active participant in crisis management. The Cabildo is now working to improve early warning systems and public communication.