Octavio Caraballo, Vice-Minister of the President's Cabinet of the Canary Islands, has highlighted the necessity of strategic planning to confront the Archipelago's demographic challenges. In an interview, Caraballo addressed the complexity of the Canarian scenario, which encompasses depopulation in the green islands and small municipalities, housing pressure in stressed areas, and the generation of opportunities in inland regions, alongside the protection of rural landscapes and economic activity.
Caraballo pointed out that population aging and migratory flows, particularly from Latin America and Italy, add layers of complexity to demographic management. The Canarian Strategy for Demographic Challenge and Territorial Cohesion, supported by town councils, island councils (cabildos), and the regional government, aims to streamline planning in municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants and to modify legislation to expedite housing construction permits and procedures.
The concept of «15-minute Canary Islands» is presented as a response to the housing crisis, encouraging population shifts towards rural or areas distant from capitals. The goal is for residents to have access to essential services (cultural, educational, sports, health, banking, pharmacies, supermarkets) within a 15-minute walk, enabling them to live their lives without extensive travel. Currently, 58% of the population can access basic services within a 15-minute walk, a figure that rises to 74% for daily activities.
The Vice-Minister warned of the risk that housing shortages could drive population away from rural municipalities, a phenomenon already observed in tourist and urban areas. Rising real estate prices, exacerbated by the boom in holiday rentals, necessitate careful planning and collaboration among various administrations. The '15-minute Canary Islands' initiative is adapted to the islands' diversity, with varying percentages of service access ranging from 22% in La Gomera to 61% in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Looking ahead to the II Congress on Demographic Challenge in Breña Alta, new initiatives linked to the reform of the Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF) are expected. A green REF will be proposed to retain population in the face of climate change impacts on mid-altitude areas, and another modification to curb depopulation. The congress will also cover topics such as narrative, identity, innovation, territory, housing, talent, and new economies.
Caraballo acknowledged that the demographic strategy does not have a fixed deadline, as it is a dynamic document subject to periodic review, adapting to long-term planning and daily monitoring of management tools.
