Ecologists Demand Environmental Safeguards for Gran Canaria’s Siam Park Project
The environmental organisation Turcón has called for stringent environmental assessments concerning the proposed Siam Park theme park in El Veril, Gran Canaria. They urge that any urban development in this area must prioritise the protection of natural and cultural heritage, public water resources, and ecological connectivity.
In a statement released on Saturday, Turcón stressed that the planned development should not compromise the environmental integrity of the site. The group has submitted objections to the Autonomous Commission for Environmental Assessment of the Canary Islands, highlighting that the approved scope document does not adequately address their previous concerns raised during public consultations.
Turcón insists on being formally recognised as an interested body throughout this process under environmental legislation. They argue that the planning of Gran Canaria’s tourism infrastructure should adhere to principles of environmental sustainability and public involvement, particularly in sensitive areas.
The group noted that the current environmental assessment phase has revealed the extensive scope of the project, which includes significant hotel development that alters the initial concept of a theme park. They assert that this substantial shift requires rigorous scrutiny to ensure transparency and proper public awareness of the project’s real implications.
Turcón emphasised the ecological importance of the El Veril ravine, situated in a heavily developed southern Gran Canaria. They contend that the assessment process must ensure the conservation of the area’s natural and cultural values.
The organisation’s ultimate goal is to secure that all future decisions regarding El Veril are made with the highest standards of environmental and legal diligence, while fully respecting public participation rights and land protection.
