The Government of the Canary Islands has concluded the sanctioning process against the developers of the Cuna del Alma tourist-residential complex in El Puertito de Adeje, issuing a fine of €229,500 for damage to archaeological heritage.
This represents a significant reduction from the initial proposed penalty of €600,000, which was set during the previous legislature before the original case expired on 31st August 2023.
The revised sanction is based on three “serious” infringements, rather than the earlier classification of “very serious” damage. The decision has sparked political controversy, with Podemos Canarias accusing the regional government of favouring the developer by approving what they describe as a “more than 50% reduction” in the fine.
Damage Limited to Small Area, Says Official
Miguel Ángel Clavijo, Director General of Culture and Cultural Heritage, explained that the damage was limited to a hut settlement covering approximately 80 square metres. He argued that similar sites are common across the south of Tenerife and dismissed the previous assessment as “ideological rather than technical”.
“A truly ‘very serious’ offence against archaeological heritage would be something like destroying the Painted Cave of Gáldar,” said Clavijo, who also stated that upon taking office, he inherited a “dramatic situation” in the department, describing it as “dismantled” and burdened with over 100 unresolved cases.
Two Additional Infringements
The updated proceedings also cite two other serious infractions: failure to employ a qualified archaeologist to prevent heritage damage and non-compliance with a precautionary order from the Tenerife Cabildo to halt construction pending investigation.
Clavijo insisted that the case was legally flawed and already expired when his team took over, prompting a renewed process in which all stakeholders, the developer, Adeje Town Council, Tenerife Cabildo, and the regional government, were heard.
He stressed the department's commitment to enforcing cultural heritage laws impartially: “We will sanction anyone who harms cultural heritage, whether a cabildo, council, or other entity.”
Political Outrage
Podemos Canarias has fiercely criticised the decision, with Gabriel González, councillor for Unidas Sí Podemos in Adeje, calling it “scandalous”. He claims the fine minimises the severity of the incident, even though the damage was “irreversible” and occurred while official suspension orders were still in effect.
“The government not only allows the destruction of a unique archaeological site but then reduces the penalty and downplays the seriousness of what happened, clearly aligning itself with developer interests,” González said in a statement.
The party also noted the timing of the resolution, which comes just five days before scheduled public demonstrations on 18th May in defence of shared public heritage.
“As citizens mobilise to protect what belongs to all of us, institutions are bowing to private interests,” the statement concluded.
