Holidaymakers face €1,500 fines for taking plants and volcanic rock from Mount Teide
Two German tourists have been caught attempting to remove a protected plant and a large volcanic rock from Teide National Park in Tenerife, an offence that could result in fines of up to €1,500.
Environmental officers were recently sent to strengthen surveillance in the national park and discovered the items in the boot of the couple’s vehicle during an inspection inside Tenerife’s most protected natural area.
The plant was identified as a red tajinaste, one of Tenerife’s most iconic native species. Known for its tall red flower spike, the plant only grows in the high-altitude areas around Mount Teide and is one of the most protected species in the park.
Authorities confirmed that removing plants, rocks or natural materials from Teide National Park is strictly forbidden under conservation laws. Despite repeated warnings, similar incidents continue to occur in protected areas across the island.
The intervention comes less than a month after the Tenerife Cabildo increased security and monitoring in Teide National Park. The number of surveillance staff has risen from just two officers to 27.
The new security measures form part of a €3.4 million investment aimed at protecting the UNESCO World Heritage Site from vandalism, overcrowding and environmental damage. The expanded service will also monitor popular viewpoints around the park that have seen growing pressure from tourism.
Officials say penalties for damaging protected natural spaces in Tenerife can be severe. While common offences such as taking volcanic rocks or sand usually carry fines between €600 and €1,500, more serious environmental offences inside Teide National Park can reach €600,000.
The red tajinaste is currently in bloom across the park and is considered one of the most important endemic species in the Canary Islands. Some plants can grow taller than two metres and are highly valued for their ecological importance and striking appearance.
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