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He Lunar Landscape or Los Escurriales, The names by which it is known, is a protected area located in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona at the gates of the Teide National Park. In recent times it has been the object of the invasion of posture lovers. People very little aware of endangering such a fragile environment as this. The Cabildo will put up posters again at the beginning of February to prohibit the passage, but the technicians appeal to the “civic conscience of the citizens” because “it is impossible to monitor such a wide and isolated geography 24 hours a day.” It is appreciated by Tomás Reneses, Head of Unit of the insular institution in this southern region and technician in firefighting of the Forestry Brigade (Brifor) of the Island.
Reneses underlines: “Watching the Lunar Landscape means being there all day with the human and economic cost to which that is equivalent. Are more than three hours to walk and an hour and a half from where the vehicle is left. For those who do the excursion, but also for those who are in charge of security ”. The professional recalls that “only La Rambleta, on the Pico del Teide, is guarded during the hours when the cable car is operational. It is the only point that has this service ”.
Reneses anticipates that “on the 25th (Monday) the new posters are expected to arrive on the island” – It is, he deepens, “a signage design that we hope to place in the area from the first days of February.” . The previous poster “was accidentally broken, it was the object of vandalism or, although it seems incredible, someone took it to your house because they liked it or who knows the reason, the fact is that the signs disappeared”.
Vandalism
Reneses considers that “more and more people are going out to the mountains, especially as a result of the three-month confinement, a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. Being able to access nature has been a liberation after so long at home. That’s why hundreds of people here are approaching the Lunar Landscape for the first time. Many had never seen it except on postcards ”. This island nature lover adds: “I really like Anaga for kicking and in recent months I have seen people with whom I have never met before. And of all ages ”. Reneses details to support his thesis: “Among that mass there is much well-intentioned ignorant, but also a small percentage, I would set it to 5%, which makes as much noise as it hurts when committing acts of vandalism just for no reason. Those are the ones who break everything and, if they can, they take it like a trophy. Signs that do not appear and that were once placed in this environment must be in a home ”.
For the insular technician, “it was not an accident that the signs with the message forbidden to leave the trail were broken precisely. Someone did it on purpose. ” As possible solutions he points out: “First of all, appeal to the civic spirit of those who visit a place that belongs to everyone and nobody in particular.” He also reiterates that “we are going to replace the signage.” And finally, adventure: ”The Cabildo is considering requiring permits to visit this area. Right now that only happens in very specific places like Monte de Aguirre in the Anaga Rural Park. In the Forest Crown it is not possible because it is governed by the Master Plan for the Use and Management of the National Park and does not contemplate it. At the moment it is only a possibility but if the attacks against this natural heritage continue, the institution would contemplate it with a greater perspective of making it a reality in the short or medium term ”.
Install cameras?
Another option that has already been discussed in both political and technical instances would be to install cameras but, Reneses adds, “they have a high cost, as well as placing a fixed guard. And who guarantees us that these cameras will not break? Or if they are powered by photovoltaic panels, as specified in the legislation, they should not be taken too. It’s sad but real ”. He does not want to end without recalling that “the key is to be civil and conscientious because if the visit takes place correctly and respecting the natural environment there is no problem. This is what happens in all the protected and fragile spaces of the world like this one ”.
The colective Pasa without a trace has requested the Cabildo to replace the posters to prohibit access and to increase vigilance against the progressive degradation of this attractive natural space.
The Lunar Landscape is located in Los Escurriales, at almost 2,000 meters, in the heights of the municipality of Granadilla de Abona. This delicate landscape is integrated into the Protected Natural Area of the Corona Forestal. There volcanic materials are capriciously intermingled with the sculptural action of erosion. The fragility of the ecosystem is explained by the fact that they are pumice stone chimneys. Monoliths of jable object of the overcrowding and of those who kill for a selfie and even let themselves slip on its surface or have even left inscriptions on it. Thousands of people whose weight and attitude cause authentic ecological attacks that cause enormous damage to the island’s invaluable natural heritage. The result: overcrowding, waste, soil erosion and damage to flora. The Lunar Landscape is, therefore, a black point on the map of attacks on the island’s nature. It must also be urgently protected to prevent the consequences of the irresponsibility of some from being irreparable. To enjoy it, you don’t have to enter the Lunar Landscape. It is enough to see it as in the image that illustrates these lines. More than enough.
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