Rosa Dávila, the President of the Island Council of Tenerife, emphasized on Friday the importance of finding strategies to enhance societal wellbeing and environmental conservation on the island. She suggested that one approach might involve introducing restrictions on access to natural areas, including the possibility of implementing fees.
In an interview with Radio Club Tenerife, as reported by EFE, Dávila urged for a dialogue that is rooted in calmness and the utmost respect with participants of the 20A demonstrations, who are advocating for a change in the islands’ model. She believes that their stance could reflect a broader societal sentiment.
Dávila advocated for the introduction of fees in protected natural sites and stressed the importance of fostering a deeper appreciation for the islands’ natural, cultural, and ethnographic heritage. She also highlighted the need to promote social housing initiatives.
Serving as the President of the Island Council, she expressed her commitment to exploring solutions that enhance living standards, recognizing tourism’s crucial role in the local economy and its capacity to create jobs. However, she insisted that tourism should be of high quality and contribute to improving living conditions.
Dávila pointed out that a key area of agreement with the upcoming 20A demonstrators is the belief that tourism revenues should directly contribute to the societal benefits of the community. She stated that the economic model should aim to elevate the general welfare of society.
“It’s essential for residents to see that the profits and business generated by tourism ultimately help to uplift their quality of life,” she noted. Dávila also mentioned the issue of population density on Tenerife, exacerbated by the absence of any new social housing developments over the past four years.
She further remarked on the finite nature of the island, highlighting the need to manage demographic pressures effectively.