The municipality of Gáldar in the Canary Islands has announced a new ordinance to protect its most unique trees, including a 300-year-old dragon tree, araucarias, and pines in Santiago Square, and a large Canary Island palm in the town center.
The catalog of singular trees aims to inventory and register each specimen considered of Local Interest. The document, currently open for public consultation, considers it a very serious offense to cut down, destroy, or cause irreversible damage to trees, groves, or cataloged singular flora. Fines can reach up to €3,000, in addition to any criminal or administrative penalties that may be imposed.
The protection list includes 13 trees or groups, including the Cardón de Las Rosas, Ceibo or Erytrina in the Plaza de los Guanartemes, the Dragon Tree of the Town Hall, the Dragon Tree of the Machas in Barranco Hondo de Arriba, the Eucalyptus of Los Lujanes, the Indian Laurels of the Bajada de Las Guayarminas, the Indian Laurels of the Plaza de Santiago, the Canary Island Palm in the town center on Guariragua Street, the Campitos Palm Grove, the Pines of the Plaza de los Guanartemes, the Araucarias of the Plaza de Santiago, and two specimens of the Pines of Gáldar.
The ordinance highlights the importance of preserving these trees for their historical and ecological significance. The document also outlines the threats faced by these trees, including climate change, invasive species, and human activity.