Contribution short abstract

We focus on recent protests against touristification on the Canary Islands and the participatory process Canarias Palante from an ecofeminist approach. Drawing on participatory observation, media coverage, reports and interviews we explore the role of women in the production of island alternatives.

Contribution long abstract

April 20, 2024, one of the most crowded demonstrations in recent decades in the Canary Islands took place. It was followed by others under the same slogan: “The Canary Islands have a limit!”. The touristification of all aspects of life (human and non-human) led to deep unrest among the population and a loss of quality of life (i.e., difficulties in access to affordable housing, poor redistribution of wealth, deterioration of natural spaces, abandonment of the primary sector, etc.).

After the first of the demonstrations, numerous groups announced the start of a broad participatory process, “Canarias Palante,” with the aim of giving continuity to their demands. In a participatory manner, the document “80-something measures for changing the model. Addressing sustainability in the Canary Islands” was drawn up. This is a roadmap to guide the change of model towards one that respects the territory and culture of the place, as well as being oriented towards a better life.

Women have played a significant role in the demonstrations, demands, and proposals. It not surprising that when the defense of life is at the center, women are at the forefront of the struggle to confront dominant discourses and try to overcome the dualism that separates reason and emotion, body and mind, nature and culture, aspects that must be understood in an integrated way and that must be part of an ethic of responsibility and care.