The Socialist Group in the Cabildo of Lanzarote has presented a motion to demand the urgent elaboration of an Island Plan for the Prevention, Control, and Eradication of Invasive Exotic Species, given what they consider a “worrying inaction” by the Government of Oswaldo Betancort in the face of one of the greatest environmental risks facing the island.
The socialist councilor Alberto Aguiar has denounced that “Lanzarote cannot continue looking the other way while invasive species advance unchecked, putting at risk our ecosystems, our biodiversity and also economic sectors linked to the territory”.
The initiative starts from a clear diagnosis: currently there does not exist on the island a comprehensive, planned program with stable resources that allows acting effectively against this problem, despite the fact that invasive exotic species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss at a global level.
"We are talking about a real and visible threat in many parts of Lanzarote, from protected natural areas to urban and tourist environments. And the most serious thing is that there is no island strategy that orders, prioritizes, and gives continuity to the actions," Aguiar pointed out.
The PSOE warns of the growing presence of invasive flora on the island, as well as animal species such as the Kramer's parakeet, whose expansion is being favored even by irresponsible practices such as its feeding by visitors and residents.
In this regard, Aguiar has been clear: “Not only is there a lack of planning, there is also a lack of awareness. And that is the responsibility of those who govern. It cannot be allowed for an invasive species to become a tourist attraction while deteriorating our ecosystems.”
Furthermore, the socialists criticize current practices such as the indiscriminate elimination of vegetation on roadsides without ecological criteria, which can aggravate the problem by favoring the expansion of invasive species.
“Action is being taken without rigor, treating as ‘weeds’ what in many cases is native or adapted flora, and generating the perfect scenario for invasive species to continue advancing,” added.
The socialist motion proposes, among other measures, the creation of an island plan with a scientific basis, specific economic endowment, hiring of specialized personnel, and awareness campaigns aimed at both citizens and the tourism sector m.
For the socialist councilor, “the key is in prevention and early intervention. Arriving late always turns out more expensive, both in economic and environmental terms.”
Aguiar concluded by pointing out that “Lanzarote has a unique natural heritage, but also an extremely fragile one. Protecting it is not an option, it is an obligation. And this Government, once again, is arriving late.”