The Tías City Council closed 2024 with progress in sustainability, employment and improvement of the urban environment. The implementation of the fifth container in the accommodation sector, the ZEConsciente environmental awareness strategy and the creation of new green areas with the planting of more than 650 plant species are some of the initiatives that marked the year.
The Councilor for the Environment and Employment, Carmen Gloria Rodríguez, recently offered the summary of her management report, which covers different municipal areas. “We want to balance economic growth with the protection of our environment. We want Tías to be a benchmark in sustainability and for this, the involvement of citizens, companies and administrations is essential.”
According to Rodríguez, "one of the most significant projects has been the implementation of the fifth container in the tourist establishments of the municipality, a key measure within the Municipal Circular Economy Plan. This system allows the separate collection of organic waste generated by hotels, apartments and tourist complexes."
Since its launch, and with the collaboration of the Lanzarote Tourist Federation, tons of organic waste have been recovered and transformed into compost for agricultural use. In addition, the project has included training workshops for sector employees, installation of containers and efficient collection. For 2025, it is planned to extend this initiative to the restaurant and commerce sector, in addition to studying tax incentives for companies that actively participate.
Urban Agenda
Likewise, the Tías City Council, the first corporation on the island to approve its Urban Agenda, ratified the Action Plan of the Local Urban Agenda 2030 in a plenary session held in June of last year. This plan includes 18 projects and 67 lines of action based on urban transformation and the shift towards sustainability.
The ZEConsciente strategy was also promoted, an environmental education program that has reached students, neighborhood groups and older people. Through campaigns, workshops and activities in public spaces, responsible habits for the care of the environment have been disseminated.
New green areas and protection of the palm grove
From the Gardens area, in 2024 the creation and improvement of green spaces was promoted within the municipality's Green Infrastructure strategy. Among the main actions, the planting of 655 new plant species in different parts of Tías and the renovation of gardens with native plants and efficient irrigation systems to optimize water use stood out.
One of the biggest challenges assumed was the maintenance of the municipality's emblematic palm grove, affected by pests such as Diocalandra frumenti and other diseases. This effort included specific phytosanitary treatments for pest control and strategic pruning and constant monitoring to guarantee the recovery of the palm trees.
"The palm grove is a symbol of our identity and protecting it is an absolute priority for this City Council. We are redoubling our efforts to guarantee its preservation and its essential role in our green infrastructure,” declared Carmen Gloria Rodríguez.
More employment with specialized training
On the other hand, the year closed with the execution of five Alternating Training with Employment Programs (PFAE), which were recently closed and which allowed more than 100 people to improve their qualifications in strategic sectors.
The specialties taught were Construction, with training in sustainable building and renovations; Gardening, with maintenance and design of green areas with native species; Sociocultural revitalization, based on the organization and celebration of events and community activities; Lifeguarding, on rescue and first aid; and Web design, with the creation and maintenance of digital sites adapted to the current market.
In addition, the 1st Employment Fair was held last May in El Varadero, organized in collaboration with the Lanzarote Tourist Federation, Asolan and Gehocan. The 1st Lanzarote Job Dating Employment Fair had more than 40 companies and entities related to employment and training.