More than a thousand volunteers turned out across Tenerife yesterday, Sunday, as part of a major coastal clean-up to mark World Oceans Day. The initiative, coordinated by the Cabildo in partnership with 62 public and private organisations, spanned all 22 municipalities on the island.
This is part of a broader programme running until 15th June under the theme “Reconnect with the Tide.”
Activities included beach and seabed clean-ups, environmental workshops, nature walks, documentary screenings, exhibitions and technical seminars.
“This year, we’ve broken all records for participation,” said island president Rosa Dávila. “Today alone, over 1,000 people took part in nearly 30 different activities across the island. Added to those who joined earlier events this week, we’re looking at more than 2,000 volunteers so far.”
Dávila joined a group of volunteers at the Malpaís de Güímar Nature Reserve, taking part in a litter collection hike. She also visited clean-up teams working along the beaches of Arico and San Miguel, offering her thanks for their efforts.
Highlighting the island’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Dávila reiterated the goal of achieving “zero wastewater discharge” and ensuring Tenerife’s beaches proudly display Blue Flag certification. “This is a non-negotiable objective for the well-being of our island,” she said.
A Coordinated Effort for Long-Term Impact
Tenerife’s Environment and Sustainability Councillor, Blanca Pérez, visited clean-up sites in the island’s northeast, including Mesa del Mar (Tacoronte), Punta del Hidalgo, Jover (La Laguna), and Playa La Nea (El Rosario), where she also attended a turtle release event. Meanwhile, senior officials including Pedro Millán and Serafín Mesa visited beaches in La Orotava, San Juan de la Rambla and La Guancha.
Pérez also highlighted the newly approved Tenerife Coastal Volunteering Strategy 2025–2028, a coordinated plan aimed at professionalising and strengthening volunteer efforts in marine conservation. The strategy focuses on biodiversity preservation, ecosystem restoration, and public environmental education.
Developed through a participatory process involving more than 20 organisations, the strategy provides a shared framework to build a “solid, skilled and committed Coastal Volunteer Network,” according to the Cabildo.
Tenerife’s celebration of World Oceans Day highlights a growing commitment to environmental action and sustainable coastal management, powered by the strength of its local communities.
