Forests in Tenerife cost money, a lot of money to make them resilient and able to withstand the effects of climate change.
Tenerife is home to some of Spain’s most impressive forests. The lush laurel forests of the Parque Rural de Anaga, the expansive pine woodlands of the Parque Nacional del Teide, the Corona Forestal, and the Parque Rural de Teno are natural treasures that brighten the island and keep it healthy. These forests span thousands of hectares and are essential for the island’s biodiversity and ecosystem.
90 Million Euros Extra
These forests not only serve as sanctuaries for unique flora and fauna but also play a crucial role in regulating water resources and preventing erosion. However, these vulnerable areas are increasingly threatened by climate change, wildfires, and a lack of resources for protection. To safeguard this green heart, additional investments and new strategies are indispensable. The price tag is hefty: protecting all the Canary Islands’ forests requires an additional 90 million euros annually.
Forestry experts and flora specialists are promoting the so-called “forest cent” tax already announced by the government. They hope this will convince the island councils (cabildos) to implement it, given the serious risks facing the islands.
Two Cents Per Liter of Fuel
The Canary Islands require 90 million euros annually to develop an adequate forestry policy that can protect the forests and prevent wildfires. This is crucial in a context where the effects of climate change pose severe threats to the islands.
To secure part of this funding, forestry professionals propose that the government introduce a fuel consumption tax of up to two cents per liter. This would ensure stable annual funding of 30 to 40 million euros, depending on yearly consumption. These funds would be used exclusively for forest protection.
Polluter Pays
This proposal was explained yesterday by a representative of the facilitating team of the steering group for safer and more resilient forest landscapes. Their proposals, including the introduction of this tax, were presented to island council technicians and political leaders. This initiative is supported by experts, staff from various government departments, universities, private consultants, and legal specialists, under the umbrella of the Spanish Association of Forestry Professionals (Profor) and the Official Association of Forestry Engineers.
The proposal to introduce a levy under the principle of “the polluter pays” has been a long-standing demand from these professionals, who have seen funding diminish due to the transfer of competencies between the state, autonomous communities, and island councils. This has led to significant budget cuts, while the challenges posed by climate change and its impacts on the population, the environment, and the economy continue to grow.
As an example, the large wildfire on Tenerife in 2023 cost the community 177 million euros.
Tenders
With the revenue from the so-called “forest cent,” the steering group proposes concrete measures such as financial incentives for the primary sector in the mid-altitude areas of the island (medianías) to maintain agricultural landscapes. This would prevent the excessive accumulation of combustible material in the forests caused by the progressive abandonment of rural areas.
Another proposed measure is to boost the forestry sector, which on the islands is very precarious and heavily reliant on public companies. As a result, this sector does not reach its potential as a source of employment and economic activity. The idea is to support the professionalization and competitiveness of the sector, with assistance from the government and the island councils. This can be achieved by organizing open tenders and, through public companies, developing subcontracting policies that benefit local small and medium-sized enterprises.
Pixabay © Photography
Forests in Tenerife Cost Money ©
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