The plenary session of the Haría City Council has unanimously approved an initiative aimed at strengthening the protection and conservation of the Canarian black bee, an indigenous species of great value for environmental balance, biodiversity, and beekeeping activity in the islands.
The mayor of Haría, Alfredo Villalba, highlights the importance of this decision for the future of the natural environment and the primary sector in the municipality. “Protecting the Canarian black bee is protecting our biodiversity, our landscapes and also a traditional activity that is part of the identity of the Canary Islands, such as beekeeping” points out the first alderman.
Villalba emphasizes that pollinators play a fundamental role in the balance of ecosystems and in food production, which is why public administrations must get involved in their defense and adds that from the City Council “we want to actively contribute to curbing the decline of pollinators and support professionals in the sector who work with a unique species in our territory, also promoting more environmentally friendly practices in our public spaces”.
The proposal was supported by the thirteen councilors who make up the municipal plenary and proposes a set of measures aimed at supporting local beekeepers, promoting more sustainable practices in public spaces, and promoting the defense of this species throughout the archipelago.
Among the actions promoted by the City Council is the support for the beekeeping sector that works with the Canarian black bee, as well as the commitment to promote a more responsible use of phytosanitary products in municipal green spaces, promoting ecological alternatives and reducing the use of chemical herbicides.
The initiative also bets on strengthening the recognition of this native species at the national level and on transferring the proposal to the Canarian Federation of Municipalities so that it can be debated and supported by other municipalities of the islands.
The initiative promoted by the Haría City Council has already received the support of the city councils of Breña Baja, Gáldar, Pájara, Tegueste, Tías, Valleseco, Santiago del Teide, Agüimes and Los Llanos de Aridane.
With this initiative, Haría "reinforces its commitment to the protection of the natural environment, sustainability and the defense of native species that are part of the environmental heritage of the Canary Islands".
