The proposed legislation has sparked opposition for allowing private sector employees to carry out inspection and control tasks, duties previously reserved for civil servants. The Professional Association of Forest and Environmental Agents of the Canary Islands and the Public Employees Union of the Canary Islands are among those who have formally challenged the document.
The controversy centers on Teide National Park. Socialists have requested the removal of specific articles from the bill, arguing they would allow reports filed by private rural guards to carry a presumption of truth and legal status, potentially serving as a basis for sanctioning citizens.
Political representatives warn that outsourcing these public powers undermines legal certainty. They argue that environmental inspection must remain under the control of specialized civil servants to protect the public interest, rejecting the delegation of natural space management to personnel lacking public authority status.
Currently, the Cabildo of Tenerife employs rural guards through an external company for support and surveillance tasks at key park access points. However, the filed objections seek to establish a clear boundary between support duties and the authority functions that, according to the petitioners, should remain exclusive to public staff.
