Else Beekman
In August 2023, a devastating wildfire swept through the mountains of Tenerife, scorching 14,700 hectares of land. It was the most destructive blaze in Spain that year, impacting 7.1% of the island’s territory and forcing evacuations in eleven municipalities. In response, Tenerife’s authorities launched an ambitious reforestation project, aiming to restore the affected areas and protect the island from future fire threats.
To heal the scorched landscapes, Tenerife has already planted over 30,000 trees. The President of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, hailed the initiative as “a historic action in the mountains of the island.” However, the project does not end there. Authorities plan to plant a total of 40,000 trees by the end of February, making it one of the most significant reforestation efforts in the island’s history.
Building resilience against future fires
The reforestation is not just about recovery; it’s about preparation. To minimise the risk of future fires, around 500 hectares on the northern slope are being replanted with native Monteverde species. These trees are naturally fire-resistant due to their ability to capture moisture from rain and clouds. Consequently, maintaining high humidity levels that slow down fire spread. In contrast, the highly flammable Radiata Pine is being systematically removed to reduce fire hazards.
Preserving native ecosystems
By planting Monteverde trees, Tenerife is not only enhancing its fire defenses but also preserving its native ecosystems. The Monteverde species are indigenous to the Canary Islands, ensuring the conservation of the island’s original vegetation. Other native species such as laurel and viñátigo are also being planted to provide protective tree cover and prevent soil erosion.
Major investment in environmental protection
This extensive reforestation project has required a significant investment of €1.5 million. The public company Tragsa is leading the effort, ensuring that the affected areas are repopulated effectively and sustainably. The initiative demonstrates Tenerife’s commitment to environmental protection and resilience in the face of climate change.
The 2023 fire
The August 2023 wildfire was a harsh reminder of Tenerife’s vulnerability to environmental disasters. It was the most devastating blaze ever recorded in the Canary Islands. Flames tore through vast landscapes leaving behind a trail of destruction. Authorities later confirmed that the fire was deliberately set.
Justice was served in September 2024, when the court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife sentenced a man to five years in prison for igniting the forest fire in Los Realejos. This individual was no stranger to the law; he had previously been convicted in 2010 for starting another fire, for which he served a one-year sentence.
The conviction was built on solid evidence. This included a neighbour’s testimony placing the suspect at the scene on the morning of the fire. Despite his claims of doing home maintenance at the time, his story failed to convince the court, especially given the suspiciously large number of lighters found in his possession. The evidence was overwhelming, leading the court to conclude that the fire was a deliberate act of arson.