One of Spain’s most popular holiday islands has launched a unit to crack down on influencers doing stunts that wreak havoc on the environment.
Tourists in Tenerife have been condemned for meeting at beauty spots to take selfies at sunset while disregarding warnings not to smoke in restricted areas over the risk of forest fires, or performing stunts like throwing paella pans into the countryside and cutting people’s hair in the middle of the road in a national park.
Now, YouTubers or influencers who post videos online that promote practices that harm the environment will be targeted by the new digital surveillance unit.
Two officers will monitor any stunts or behaviour posted and shared on social media that damages the environment, such as accessing restricted zones in protected areas, flying drones, and taking volcanic stones, and seek to fine those responsible.
Rosa Dávila, president of the Tenerife Government, said the objective of this “pioneering” initiative is to “prevent social media from becoming a showcase for impunity. It will serve to identify [those committing environmental offences] and eventually fine them,” she told reporters.
