The Tenerife Cabildo has launched a major reforestation project, with more than 30,000 trees already planted on the northern slopes of Tenerife as part of an ambitious initiative to restore 500 hectares of land damaged by the devastating wildfire of 2023.
The President of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, alongside the Councillor for the Natural Environment, Blanca Pérez, and other local officials, visited the reforestation site near the Las Calderetas recreational area in El Sauzal this week, and planted some trees themselves during their visit.
Dávila highlighted the progress made, stating, “We have already planted over 30,000 trees, and our goal is to reach 40,000 by the end of February. Specifically, in this northern region of Tenerife, we aim to restore around 500 hectares of land that was destroyed.”
She also explained the ecological approach being taken: “We are removing radiata pine, a non-native species, and planting the monteverde species, which are native and more fire-resistant. Additionally, we are introducing non-tree species like the bicácaro (Canarina canariensis), a plant characteristic of the laurel forest ecosystem.”
Blanca Pérez emphasised the dual purpose of the reforestation efforts: “We are replacing the radiata pine to helping to preserve the original flora, and the monteverde species act as a natural firebreak as they retain moisture from both rainfall and cloud condensation, reducing the risk of future fires.”
The Mayor of El Sauzal, Mariano Pérez, stressed the importance of community involvement in the project, stating that these activities provide an opportunity for residents to learn about native species and the restoration work being undertaken.
The reforestation efforts are focused on 505 hectares across the municipalities of El Sauzal, La Matanza, La Orotava, La Victoria, Los Realejos, Santa Úrsula, and Tacoronte. The initiative, with an estimated budget of €1.5 million, is being carried out by the public company Tragsa.
In the areas most affected by the 2023 wildfire, the Cabildo has prioritised replanting native tree species such as heather, laurel, follao, hija, vinátigo, and sanguino. These efforts aim to establish a canopy that will protect the soil from erosion while restoring the damaged landscape.
