International Volunteers Lead Grassroots Revitalization of Costa del Silencio

In Costa del Silencio, a town in the Arona municipality of Tenerife, local residents have taken charge of their community’s future where official institutions have fallen short. As reported by Diario de Avisos, a diverse group of international volunteers has stepped in to tackle the long-standing neglect that has plagued the area for decades.

The group, known as Voluntarias Costa del Silencio Limpio (Clean Costa del Silencio Volunteers), does much more than just pick up litter. Led by Hannelore Ottevaere, the organization’s fifty members—hailing from over twelve different countries—are actively rehabilitating public spaces. Their work includes repairing playgrounds and street furniture, restoring the historic Damon Park minigolf course, and painting murals to brighten the neighborhood. They fund these projects through creative initiatives like selling charity calendars and a tree sponsorship program, where local businesses cover the upkeep of palm trees along Ten-Bel street.

The group’s influence extends well beyond physical improvements. They have built a digital community of 5,000 followers, becoming a leading example of civic engagement in southern Tenerife. Despite the ongoing challenge of dealing with litter and vandalism, the volunteers have big plans for the future, including installing solar lighting in public areas and expanding their cleaning efforts to the main roads leading into town, such as the TF-652, TF-653, and TF-66.

This movement reflects a growing trend in the Canary Islands: residents in older tourist areas are taking matters into their own hands rather than waiting for local government action. While the Arona City Council provides some tools and support, the heavy lifting is done by the residents themselves. By transforming public spaces, these volunteers have not only reversed years of decay but have also fostered a renewed sense of community pride in a town that is finally finding a second wind.