Franz Weber Foundation says support grows for campaign against camel rides in Timanfaya

The Franz Weber Foundation has announced that more than 41,200 people have now signed its petition calling for an end to tourist camel rides in Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park.

The Swiss-based environmental organisation, which focuses on animal welfare and conservation issues, said the growing number of signatures on Change.org reflects what it described as an “unavoidable debate” both within Lanzarote and internationally. According to the foundation, the campaign demonstrates that “thousands of people believe these practices must change”.

Response to local institutional support

The foundation also responded to recent declarations made in support of the camel-riding sector by local institutions. It noted that the number of signatures collected is “symbolic”, claiming it is almost double the combined population of Yaiza and Haría, the only municipalities on the island to have officially backed the activity so far.

Through its campaign, the organisation says its aim is to encourage a restructuring of the sector rather than simply abolishing it outright. The foundation highlighted that camel rides for tourists only began in the 1970s, marking a shift from the animals’ traditional agricultural role to tourism-related services.

Proposal for alternative tourism models

The conservation group argues there is enough international experience to support a transition towards alternative tourism models. These could include guided walking routes through the National Park or the use of other transport methods, while drawing on the experience of current workers in the sector.

According to the foundation, such alternatives could create new forms of sustainable tourism with lower environmental impact.

Criticism of lack of dialogue

Rubén Pérez, spokesperson for the Franz Weber Foundation, criticised what he described as a lack of response from organisations that had publicly called for dialogue.

He said that FELAPYME, the federation representing small and medium-sized businesses, had previously spoken about opening discussions with the sectors involved, but the foundation claims it has yet to receive a reply to its proposal.

Pérez accused the organisation of prioritising the defence of the current activity over engaging with growing international criticism of animal-based tourism. He added that campaigns against the use of animals in tourism are taking place worldwide and described the foundation’s proposal as an “ethical transition”.