Environmentalists Unite Against Tenerife's 'Underwater Garden' Tourism Plan

Eva Lund -

A Call to Protect Canary Isles’ Natural Beauty

In a joint effort to protect the Canary Islands’ natural allure, numerous environmental groups and surf clubs have taken a stand against a new tourism development in southern Tenerife, known as the Underwater Garden. More than 20 associations have banded together, calling on the Cabildo to cancel the plan, claiming it’s nothing more than an “artificial theme park hiding behind sustainability rhetoric.”

Unmasking the Project’s True Impact

The groups argue that similar developments in the Canary Islands have left behind a legacy of irreversible damage, both environmentally and societally. With terms like ‘sustainability’ and ‘regeneration’ being used as smokescreens, the groups insist the Underwater Garden is a speculative venture in disguise.

The Environmental and Social Implications

Spanning 17 hectares, the Underwater Garden is poised as an eco-friendly, regenerative park. Despite its branding, environmentalists voice concerns over potential disturbances to fragile marine ecosystems, especially given the strong currents and complex oceanography of the area. The project’s pursuit could exacerbate strain on already pressured coastal zones.

Local Community’s Perspective

The introduction of such a theme park signifies more than environmental degradation; it represents a cultural and social disruption. Local residents and tourists alike cherish the unspoiled nature of Punta Blanca. This area, free from mass tourism’s grip, is a sanctuary for family gatherings, surfing, and fishing. Confining it for commercial use could alienate the community and erase a vital piece of their identity.

Resilience Inspired by Past Victories

The environmental groups are drawing inspiration from their success in halting the Fonsalía port project. They remain resolute in their mission to shield Tenerife’s coastal integrity from this unsanctioned intrusion, encouraging authorities to eschew faux green practices in favor of genuine environmental conservation.

In the aftermath of the pandemic’s tourism freeze, these activists refute the need for artificial attractions. The Canaries’ unique allure lies in its authentic nature and preserving this authenticity should guide Tenerife’s future tourism trajectory.

This movement reflects a larger conversation about how islands like Tenerife can balance economic interests with preserving what makes them unique. The environmentalists’ message is clear: embrace genuine sustainability and not the illusion of it. According to Canarian Weekly, this battle could shape the future image and well-being of Tenerife itself.