Else Beekman
Environmental groups are calling for a mass protest in Costa Adeje on 14 June against the construction of a luxury resort project with 420 villas at El Puertito de Adeje. The controversial Cuna del Alma development, led by Belgian businessman Filip Hoste, has drawn criticism over alleged environmental damage and disregard for heritage protection.
The protest, organised by the platform Salvar el Puertito, will take place outside the Baobab Suites hotel at noon. Organisers say they aim to inform visitors and potential buyers about “the illegal nature of the project” and the environmental consequences for the area. “We want to explain why supporting businesses tied to environmental destruction is not acceptable,” they said.
Heritage and ecological damage
The Cuna del Alma project has been mired in controversy since its inception. Over 50,000 people have signed a petition demanding a halt to its construction. Critics point to the irreversible damage to archaeological sites and the threat to protected flora caused by the works.
According to ElDiario, the current regional government, a coalition of Coalición Canaria and the Partido Popular, did allow earlier sanctions against the promoter, Segunda Casa Adeje S.L., to expire. These included penalties for commencing construction without conducting environmental impact assessments and for harming local biodiversity.
However, a new fine of €229,503 has now been proposed, less than half of the €600,000 initially recommended in 2022 for what was deemed a “very serious” violation. The company is accused of proceeding with excavation despite a suspension order, thereby altering the topography of a protected archaeological area using heavy machinery.
In mid-May, regional authorities confirmed that structures from an ancient hut settlement, approximately 80 m² in size, were partially destroyed, affecting a broader 620 m² archaeological zone registered in 2018. The decision requires the developer to recover displaced archaeological material. Additionally, integrate the site into the local urban plan. Furthermore, ensure archaeological supervision during all future works.
Protected species at risk
In November 2022, regional authorities ordered the suspension of the works due to the imminent threat posed to Echium triste (sad snake) a wild plant species with special protection status under Canary Islands law. Although the developer sought to relocate the plant, environmental authorities ruled against it.
Despite this, in early 2024, the Adeje town council granted permission to transplant the species, enabling the project to continue. This decision followed the resignation of the council’s environmental advisor, Rosendo López, after it emerged he had advised the developer while holding public office.
Controversial expropriation
How the project will be
The development has also led to disputes over land acquisition. The family of Juan Francisco Galindo owns a 63-square-metre property near the beach. Galindo says the offer was just €12,668 for the site. The plot, historically used for banana packaging and now a family meeting place, sits in a key location for the project.
“We don’t have land or money to spare,” Galindo said. “We’re not going to hand it over for €12,000 so a developer can offer a semi-private beach to his clients.”
Heritage enforcement context
The €229,503 sanction comes amid a broader clampdown on cultural destruction. Authorities in the Canary Islands have begun applying stricter measures against both private developers and public entities. Notably, the Cabildo de Tenerife received a fine of €304,000 for unpermitted damage during renewable energy infrastructure works.
Tensions are mounting over the impact of large-scale tourism developments on natural and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, organisers expect the June 14 protest to draw significant attention, both locally and beyond.
Another halt to the construction of a macro tourist complex in Tenerife