A growing public campaign is calling for the suspension of the works for the Cuna del Alma luxury tourism project in Puertito de Adeje, in the south of Tenerife, with over 50,000 people signing a petition urging the authorities to deny its construction permits.
Critics argue that the proposed 420-villa complex, covering 437,000 square metres, poses a severe threat to protected species and habitats in the area, as well as violating European environmental regulations.
The petition, which has 50,725 signatures so far, highlights the project's impact on the surrounding natural areas, including the Special Conservation Zone (ZEC) Franja Marina Teno-Rasca. Environmental activists assert that the development contravenes Article 6.3 of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/CEE), which prohibits projects that could significantly affect protected ecological sites.
Environmental and Social Concerns
Activists argue that the Belgian-funded development, located in a ravine with valuable geological and plant formations, will further encroach upon one of Tenerife’s last remaining natural spaces. They warn that the ongoing urban expansion is choking protected areas such as the Site of Scientific Interest of La Caleta and the Franja Marina Teno-Rasca ZEC, both of which are already under immense pressure from tourism.
In a statement, campaigners stressed that the project would destroy the essence of the location, which is cherished by both locals and visitors for its natural beauty. "More than a cradle, it will be its grave," the petition states, arguing that Tenerife already has a well-developed hospitality infrastructure and should diversify its economy rather than overdevelop its remaining green spaces.
Legal and Political Controversy
Opposition to Cuna del Alma has intensified due to legal and environmental violations. Activists point out that the project has already destroyed an archaeological site and commenced construction without a proper environmental impact assessment.
These irregularities led the Canarian Government to suspend the project during the previous legislative term. However, under the new government, led by Coalition Canaria and the Partido Popular (PP), sanctions against the project have expired, allowing construction to resume.
In response, a second petition has been launched on YouMoveEurope, calling for the resignation of key political figures, including the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, Vice President Manuel Domínguez, and Adeje’s Mayor José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga. The petition, which has 9,834 signatures, accuses them of enabling what it describes as “the biggest urban scandal in recent Canarian history.”
Activist Resistance and Alleged Violations
Protests against the development have intensified, with activists resorting to direct action to block construction. In one recent demonstration, an activist chained himself to an excavator to halt the works.
Meanwhile, the Salvar La Tejita environmental platform has reported violations of municipal building regulations, alleging that work is being carried out outside the permitted hours. Over the weekend, activists filed complaints with the Canarian Environmental Protection Agency (ACPMN) and SEPRONA, citing illegal excavation and land-moving activities taking place as early as 7:00am on a Saturday, despite local ordinances explicitly prohibiting such works on weekends and public holidays.
Growing Resistance
With opposition continuing to mount, the future of Cuna del Alma remains uncertain. Activists and local communities are urging authorities to prioritise sustainable development over mass tourism, while campaigners continue to push for legal and political accountability.
Whether the petitions and protests will succeed in stopping the project remains to be seen, but the controversy has already sparked a wider debate about the future of tourism and environmental conservation in the Canary Islands.
