The Guía de Isora council has taken a major step in its commitment to marine conservation with the official launch of the Whale Interpretation Centre project in Alcalá, in the south of Tenerife.
This initiative is being jointly promoted by the Guía de Isora Town Hall, the environmental organisation Innoceana, the Tenerife Cabildo, and other marine institutions.
The project represents a significant milestone in marine biodiversity protection and education, particularly in the Teno-Masca Special Conservation Zone in southwest Tenerife.
First Phase: Renovation of Existing Buildings
The first phase of the project, unveiled during the first HOPE Partners Meeting yesterday (Thursday), involves the renovation of an existing building next to El Pris de Alcalá.
This facility will house the interpretation centre, with construction scheduled to begin this year and completion expected by November 2028. The project will be funded by approximately two million euros from European funds.
The centre, also referred to as the Aula del Mar (Sea Classroom), is set to become a benchmark for environmental education, not just in Tenerife but beyond. It will provide visitors with insights into local marine wildlife while promoting conservation awareness.
A Long-Awaited Initiative
Carlos Mallo, president of Innoceana, emphasised the significance of this project, describing it as a long-held ambition since 2018, when environmental issues were not as widely prioritised as they are today.
“This place has spirit and magic,” he stated, highlighting the centre’s potential to transform marine conservation efforts in the region.
The Tenerife Cabildo has also expressed strong support for the project. Pedro Millán, Director of Natural Environment, described it as “a gift from the heavens” and stressed the urgent need to reduce marine pollution and enhance conservation efforts in protected areas.
A Sustainable Alternative to Fonsalía Port
Millán also referenced the now-cancelled Fonsalía Port project, which, if constructed, would have caused irreparable environmental damage to the area. He affirmed that the new marine conservation centre aligns with the goal of preserving rather than exploiting this unique coastal environment.
A Centre for Education and Cultural Heritage
One of the key aspects of the Whale Interpretation Centre will be its educational outreach, integrating the Sea Classroom into Tenerife’s school curriculum.
The Cabildo and Guía de Isora Town Council will collaborate with Innoceana to create educational workshops that will travel across the Canary Islands, bringing marine conservation awareness to a broader audience.
Additionally, the project will involve local fishermen, ensuring that traditional coastal heritage elements are incorporated into the centre. Mayor Ana Dorta highlighted their cultural importance, stating, “They are an integral part of this municipality’s identity.”
A Vision for the Future
Dorta also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts, aiming to create synergies between institutions, conservationists, and local communities. She emphasised that the project will be dynamic, evolving over time with new initiatives and proposals to enhance its impact.
With construction set to begin this year, the Whale Interpretation Centre in Alcala is poised to become a landmark for marine education and conservation, reinforcing Tenerife’s commitment to protecting its unique marine ecosystems.
