This new line of aid, now available for application, focuses on biodiversity conservation and will benefit municipalities linked to protected natural spaces such as El Teide, Garajonay, Timanfaya, and La Caldera de Taburiente. The initial allocation of €50,000 will be increased to reach the total planned amount.
The Minister, Mariano Hernández Zapata, highlighted the importance of these annual grants as "a fundamental tool" for municipalities bordering national parks to develop projects that improve residents' quality of life, generate employment, and contribute to the conservation of the Canary Islands' natural heritage.
“"We have a clear commitment to conserving these spaces, and one of the best ways to do so is by providing opportunities for the creation of projects that have a positive impact on the territory and the citizens who inhabit it."
Zapata emphasized that the national parks are "one of the main environmental assets of the Canary Islands" and stressed the need to ensure that municipalities contributing to their conservation can also access opportunities for sustainable development and service improvement.
Socioeconomic influence areas include municipalities that contribute territory to the national parks and others directly linked. The grants are aimed at local entities, small and medium-sized enterprises, self-employed individuals, residents of these areas, non-profit associations, and public entities involved in natural resource management.
Eligible actions include the modernization of municipal infrastructure, improvement of public services, conservation and restoration of natural and cultural heritage, elimination of environmental impacts, reconciliation of traditional activities with park conservation objectives, and environmental awareness and training initiatives.
The beneficiary municipalities in Tenerife are Adeje, Arico, Fasnia, Garachico, Granadilla de Abona, Guía de Isora, Güímar, Icod de los Vinos, La Guancha, La Orotava, Los Realejos, San Juan de la Rambla, Santiago del Teide, and Vilaflor. In La Gomera, the municipalities are Agulo, Alajeró, Hermigua, San Sebastián de la Gomera, Valle Gran Rey, and Vallehermoso. In Lanzarote, Tinajo and Yaiza are included. Finally, in La Palma, the beneficiary municipalities are Barlovento, Breña Alta, El Paso, Garafía, Puntagorda, Puntallana, San Andrés y Sauces, Santa Cruz de la Palma, and Tijarafe.
For more information, interested parties can consult the publication in the Official Gazette of the Canary Islands of June 5.
