The decision by the Governing Council of the Cabildo de Tenerife, made this Wednesday, involves the incorporation of 13 “rural guards” by the end of the month, with an initial duration of three years. The expenditure will be distributed multi-annually between 2026 and 2029, as reported by the island corporation.
Blanca Pérez, Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, emphasized that this award reflects the Cabildo's commitment to protecting natural areas, ensuring professional and efficient park management. Meanwhile, Pedro Millán, Director of Natural Environment, noted that the park's environmental agents will supervise and control the surveillance tasks of these new colleagues.
“"The vast extension of the Park, its multiple accesses, and the number of visitors demanded more protection, and with this joint effort, we will be able to meet all needs to achieve greater conservation and protection of a unique jewel in the world like Teide."
The security service will focus on the prevention and protection of Teide National Park, responding quickly to emergencies, accidents, and fires. It will also monitor key areas such as the viewpoints of Chipeque, Ayosa, Lomo del Retamar, and Los Poleos, and coordinate contingency plans for the safety of visitors and workers. The awarded team includes an experienced coordinator, first aid training, and language skills to assist international tourists.
However, the PSOE of Tenerife has criticized the outsourcing of the service, arguing that it consolidates a model that replaces public personnel in a protected area. The general secretary of the PSOE of Tenerife, Tamara Raya, questioned the Cabildo's decision not to strengthen its own resources, ignoring the public employment pool.
“"It makes no sense to replace trained public personnel with private companies in an area like Teide. We are talking about a National Park, not just any service or a theme park."
The PSOE has warned about the limitations of private security in this field, especially regarding its sanctioning and intervention capacity in a protected natural area. Socialists believe this decision compromises the management model of Teide National Park in the medium term and reflects a policy of public sector reduction. Therefore, Raya has urged the Cabildo to reconsider the award and reinforce the service with public personnel.
