The protection of the Teide National Park is once again in the spotlight. Environmental officers from the Cabildo of Tenerife caught two German tourists attempting to take a red tajinaste plant and several volcanic stones from the protected natural area. The incident took place in the Tabonal Negro zone within the national park. The two now face fines of up to €1,500.
The red tajinaste, officially known as Echium wildpretii, is one of Tenerife’s most striking plants. During its flowering season, the plant produces a tall red flower spike that can sometimes grow over two meters high. Especially in spring, the tajinaste is a favourite subject for photographers and nature lovers. However, what many visitors apparently still do not realise is that it is forbidden to remove plants, stones, sand, or any other natural material from the Teide National Park.
Increased surveillance around the Teide
According to Spanish reports, the environmental officers were alerted by the Guardias Rurales, after which they went to the scene and found the materials inside the vehicle of the tourists. The plant and stones were confiscated, and an official report was filed. The case is receiving extra attention because Tenerife has increased surveillance in the Teide area in recent months.
The national park is one of the most visited natural areas in Spain and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, that popularity also has a downside. The pressure of mass tourism leads to more litter, illegal parking, visitors leaving marked trails, and people taking lava stones or plants as souvenirs. For nature, this is far from harmless. Every stone, plant, and layer of soil forms part of a fragile volcanic ecosystem that recovers only very slowly.
The Cabildo of Tenerife has therefore significantly increased the presence of park supervisors. Whereas previously only a limited number of inspectors were available, reports now state that 27 staff members are actively involved in monitoring and protection. This reinforcement forms part of a wider €3.4 million investment aimed at better protecting the park against vandalism, overcrowding, and environmental damage.
Stricter enforcement of the rules
For visitors, this means that the rules are now being enforced more strictly. Anyone caught taking stones, plants, or sand can face a fine. In ordinary cases, penalties usually range between €600 and €1,500, but in cases involving serious damage to protected nature, sanctions can be considerably higher.
The message to tourists is clear: admire the Teide, take photographs, walk only on the authorised paths, but leave everything exactly where it is. The beauty of the area depends precisely on what remains there and continues to grow. Anyone wanting to take home a memory of Tenerife is better off choosing a photograph rather than a piece of lava rock or a protected plant.
For many residents of Tenerife, this incident is not a minor detail, but another example of the need to better protect vulnerable natural areas. Teide National Park is not only a major tourist attraction, but also a unique landscape that forms part of the island’s identity.
Photo: AIChatGPT
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