The management of the national park is working to make compatible the conservation of the valuable nature of the park with the necessary economic activity of the locations of its environment and with the demands of public use of residents and visitors.

Traditional uses

In the national park, certain agricultural, livestock and forestry uses are allowed. In the agricultural areas of Tenerra and Taburiente, it is allowed for the harvesting of crops for self sufficiency, authorizing the use of chemical plant protection products of low toxicity and persistence. With regard to livestock farming activities, the presence of stabled livestock is permitted by regulating the number of heads and domestic animal species. In addition, it is also allowed the collection of herbaceous or woody grass.

In the rest of the park, it is allowed the gathering of firewood and, with the approval of the Board of the Park, of wood of dead trees, needed for repairs and consumption of the hamlets of Tenerra and Taburiente. It is allowed, with the authorization of the Board of the Park, the collection of dead firewood, leaf litter and pine needles that mean danger for the spread of potential fires. In general, this practice is authorized for consumption of the neighbours of El Paso, within 50 meters on each side of the access road to La Cumbrecita.

Hydraulic Use

The infrastructures for the use of water, created at the beginning of the twentieth century, have led to a decrease in the number of natural springs. So, it is necessary to promote the installation of water flow regulation systems in the interior and exterior galleries that affect the national park. The existing support facilities for the hydraulic use must be kept in a good state of conservation and the repair or restoration of the same should be carried out in order to be integrated into the landscape.

Commercial Activity

In the interior of the national park, commercial activities that are not regulated are not allowed. The activity of tour guide or companion guide and the professional activities for commercial purposes that involve taking pictures or recording sounds will require authorisation or administrative concession.

Research Activity

All the projects of scientific research, sampling or studies of any kind must be authorized by the board of the park. They will need to be justified by exposing the techniques and methods to be used. The researchers or promoters must commit themselves to delivering to the administration of the park a copy of all the work and results of the studies, which would become part of the documentary archive of the park.

Environmental Volunteering

Participating in activities aimed at the protection of the environment in the national park is a rewarding and enriching experience. It must be developed in a controlled manner, in order to ensure the preservation of this natural heritage of incalculable value.

The National Parks Autonomous Agency develops a plan for raising awareness and volunteering, whose purpose is to contribute to the environmental awareness through the development of projects and activities in the Network of National Parks.

The National Parks Autonomous Agency convenes the granting of subsidies for volunteering projects within the following lines of action:

• Monitoring and evaluation of the network.
• Involvement of social partners and participation of the society.
• Improvement of the scientific knowledge.
• Complementary activities for the achievement of the objectives of each National Park and of the Network as a whole, including exceptional situations.

What documentation and requirements should I know?

• REGULATORY BASIS FOR PROJECTS WITHIN THE PLAN
• OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN OF VOLUNTEERING IN NATIONAL PARKS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERS
• TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

Link to the website of the Ministry.

Who can participate?

Organizations of social initiative, legally constituted, endowed with legal personality, non-profitable and dedicated to conducting activities aimed at the protection of the environment.

What types of volunteering resources are there in the Canary Islands?

The Web Portal of the map of volunteering resources of the Canary Islands collects information about the volunteering entities and vacancies, the legislation, about how to accredit the entity, campaigns and other initiatives.

Link to the page of the Volunteering Programme of the Canary Islands' Government.