Before the initial steps for the construction of the Underwater Gardens project in southern Tenerife have been approved, it has already faced disapproval from environmental groups on the island. This Thursday, the project’s promoters were scheduled to meet with several ecological organisations to present information and generate dialogue about the theme park they wish to build. However, the Punta Blanca Association has cancelled their participation in the meeting due to the lack of documentation regarding the regenerative project on which this construction is based.
Project Overview and Environmental Concerns
The project, which the Tenerife Environmental Evaluation Commission classified as a theme park, is currently undergoing the ordinary environmental assessment process for the land portion at the Cabildo. It is also awaiting evaluation from the Coastal Authority for the marine section, known as the Sea Garden. This is primarily the area prompting concerns from ecologists, which has yet to be made public and would encompass the “marine regeneration” promised by the promoters.
Allegations of Lack of Transparency
In light of their inability to review the marine initiative, the association has issued a statement alleging “absolute lack of transparency, non-compliance with commitments, and what we consider to be a scam based on systematic lies and manipulation” regarding the project and the planned meeting. Their assessment is founded on the impossibility of analysing the marine project documentation before the meeting.
Marc García-Durán, CEO and founder of Underwater Gardens Park Tenerife, explained to Atlántico Hoy that the information has not been provided because it is currently in the administrative process. He defended that until public authorities submit it for public disclosure, they cannot share it either.
Strategic Assessment and Ecological Criticism
In early January, the promoters submitted the strategic environmental assessment for re-evaluation by the environmental commission. “Public exposure will occur when the Cabildo deems that the internal process has taken place, and we have no say in that,” noted García-Durán.
However, the environmental association criticises that a proposal centered on regenerative initiatives “should have nothing to hide,” asserting that it is merely another attraction in the growing theme park for tourists that, collectively, have transformed Tenerife.
Diverging Perspectives on Dialogue
For the promoter, the rejection of the scheduled meeting signifies “a way of working with which I do not agree”. “I prefer dialogue and discussion within a sensible framework”, he stated, emphasising that “to express an opinion, one must sit down and listen. Afterwards, you can voice your disagreement.”
Conversely, eco-activists firmly oppose meeting without thoroughly studying the project first. “In the Canary Islands, we are well aware of this pattern: 500 years of extractivism, environmental violence, and plunder have taught us to clearly identify these types of macro-projects disguised as progress. They label it as a regenerative, sustainable, or educational park, but it remains just another extractive theme park that exacerbates the model destroying our islands and, to make matters worse, is funded by taxpayer money,” the association claimed.
Underwater Gardens Proposal
The marine component of the project comprises “underwater gardens” that “intelligently and integratively respond to the specific regeneration needs of a degraded ecosystem through Smart Enhanced Reefs (SER®), a new generation of intelligent reefs that facilitate marine life regeneration and enhance local biodiversity,” as stated on their website. They assert that these solutions are “customised and tailored to each location,” contributing “scientific and technological value.” Furthermore, they explain that their proposed regeneration incorporates various techniques in both soft (sandy) and hard (rocky) substrates, based on a new generation of intelligent substrates, unlike other artificial reefs that adapt to local conditions and ecological functions.
Claims of Ecocide and Project Characteristics
During the initial public information period, complaints were raised by Ben Magec-Ecologistas en Acción, El Rincón-Ecologistas en Acción, and the Asociación Tinerfeña de Amigos de la Naturaleza, arguing that the project is masked behind the sustainability narrative and involves an overestimation of the facilities and construction volumes. “There is an interpretation of the project’s nature that confuses it with the types of projects carried out over the last 50 years. We are proposing a project with a vision for the next 50 years,” defended the CEO.
However, the association insists, “we are facing another case of ecocide disguised as green development, and as before, we will make this very difficult for them.”
General Project Characteristics
The project was declared of insular interest in 2022. It occupies 106,216.96 square metres of the coast of Guía de Isora, according to initial documents. The underwater scope includes the placement of “regenerative underwater gardens” and the installation of a pier. On land, it plans facilities dedicated to leisure and education, including gardens, restaurants, parking, and a photovoltaic pergola. The project draft explains that the initiative links to environmental regeneration of the coastline, the study and guardianship of biodiversity, adaptation to climate change, and education and awareness through entertainment, leisure, culture, and diving.
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