The island of Tenerife has decided to move on to the action against a phenomenon now out of control: influencers and tourists hunting for views that ignore every rule in order to create viral content. Between incursions in protected areas, illegal use of drones, and real vandalism, the situation has become unsustainable.
The Digital Special Team is born
To counteract all this, the island’s advice has created Uvad, the digital environmental surveillance unit, a team made up of experts in charge of monitoring social networks. Their task? Find those who commit environmental infringements by documenting them online and start the procedures for very high fines, up to 300 thousand euros.
Cases of absurd behaviors multiply: from the Creator that launched pans for the paella in the Teide Park – UNESCO site – to those who made their hair cut in the midst of a natural path, passing for those who have buried money in a reserve and unleashed a “treasure hunt” that devastated the environment. Episodes that demonstrate how much the desire for visibility can lead to irresponsible gestures.
Stop to social impunity
According to the authorities, those who violate the rules is no longer enough for the fact: even the contents posted after the events will be valid to start penalties. A video published on Tiktok or Instagram can become a proof of crime, but also a dangerous invitation to imitation. “We can no longer tolerate that the environment is sacrificed for a selfie“Said Rosa Dávila, president of the board of the island.
The creation of Uvad launches a clear message: the territory is not a scenography for viral videos. Tenerife intends to promote respectful tourism, which enhances natural beauty without trampling them on. The fight against digital love has just begun, but the goal is clear: just like the detriment of nature.
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