A controversial project to excavate a huge cubic cave out of one of Fuerteventura´s volcanoes has been given the green light by the Canarian government. Despite concerns from environmentalists on the island.

The scheme is the brainchild of the late Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida. Who conceived the idea of creating a massive cubic space within Mount Tindaya in the north of the island in order to create his work, Monument to Tolerance.

The proposed cave will measure some 40 metres in height and will involve the excavation of around 64,000 cubic metres of rock. Enabling visitors to experience the immensity and scale of the space. Which will be as tall as the awe inspiring Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in London.

Before his death in 2002 Chillida wrote. “The sculpture has been conceived as a monument to tolerance and a work of art for the Canary people. I do not want it to be a cause of division or a stone to be thrown in political battles which I do not understand and have no desire to get involved in.”

The Canary Islands government believes that the project will help to build quality tourism on the island and plan to put the project out to to tender. Allowing the winning contractor to charge visitors admission to the monument for up to 15 years.

Environmental groups on Fuerteventura are unhappy however. Highlighting the ecological and historical value of Mount Tindaya and the potential damage that the scheme will cause to hundreds of prehistoric rock drawings located close to the site.