SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Spain – Authorities on the island of Tenerife have launched a new interactive online map offering real-time data on efforts to control invasive plant species and manage the island’s natural environment. The platform, an addition to the existing ‘Tenerife Biodiversa’ portal, provides a detailed and constantly updated view of interventions across more than 30 protected areas.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Cabildo de Tenerife’s area of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, aims to increase transparency and improve the management of policies focused on preserving the island’s unique biodiversity. Tenerife, a volcanic island with a high number of endemic plant species, is particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of invasive flora.
The technical development of the mapping tool was undertaken by the public company Gesplan. Users can access the map through tenerifebiodiversa.es, allowing them to geographically locate ongoing work and identify the specific plant species being targeted in each zone. This level of detail is intended to empower both residents and visitors with information about conservation efforts.
The scale of the project is significant. To date, interventions have covered over 3,068 hectares (approximately 7,584 acres) across more than 30 natural protected spaces on the island, addressing the control of over 80 different plant species. These efforts are guided by technical criteria, prioritizing areas most sensitive to ecological damage or where ecosystem recovery is most urgent.
“When we launched ‘Tenerife Biodiversa,’ we took a qualitative leap in how we manage our natural heritage,” explained Blanca Pérez, the Councilor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies. “We are not only acting on the ground, but we are also providing citizens with an interactive map that is updated almost daily, allowing them to monitor, control and understand, with complete transparency, where and how we are working to protect our biodiversity.”
The focus on efficiency is central to the strategy. Pérez emphasized that all interventions are executed under strict technical guidelines, concentrating resources on areas where recovery is most critical or where the ecological benefits are greatest. A total investment exceeding €2.43 million (approximately $2.65 million USD as of March 13, 2026) has been allocated to these efforts, covering an area exceeding 3,000 hectares.
The negative effects of invasive flora extend beyond biodiversity loss, according to information available on the Tenerife Biodiversa website. These species can contribute to soil erosion, increase the risk of wildfires, impact water resources, and negatively affect human activities. Controlling and eradicating them requires substantial technical and economic resources.
The fight against invasive plants on Tenerife combines preventative measures, early detection, control strategies, and ecosystem restoration. This includes manual or mechanical removal of plants, the use of biological control methods where appropriate, and crucially, public involvement to prevent the introduction and spread of problematic species. Residents can contribute by choosing native plants for gardens, avoiding the release of ornamental species into the wild, and participating in environmental volunteer programs.
The ‘Tenerife Biodiversa’ portal isn’t just a technical resource; it’s intended to be a digital hub for both residents and visitors. Beyond the technical data, the portal offers practical resources to aid people understand the impact of invasive species and how they can contribute to prevention, strengthening the connection between the community and the conservation of the island’s natural environment.
The average cost of control and monitoring per hectare is €793 (approximately $863 USD as of March 13, 2026), reflecting the intensive effort required to manage these invasive species and improve the environmental response. The Cabildo de Tenerife’s commitment to this initiative underscores the importance of preserving the island’s unique ecological character.
The launch of this interactive map represents a significant step forward in Tenerife’s ongoing efforts to protect its natural heritage. By providing accessible, real-time information, the Cabildo de Tenerife is fostering greater transparency and encouraging community involvement in the vital work of preserving the island’s biodiversity.
Looking ahead, the Cabildo de Tenerife will continue to update the ‘Tenerife Biodiversa’ portal with the latest data and expand its resources to further support conservation efforts. The next scheduled update to the map is expected in early April, incorporating data from ongoing field work. Citizens interested in learning more or contributing to the effort can visit tenerifebiodiversa.es.
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