The figure of Biosphere Reserves continues to consolidate its position as one of the major initiatives for sustainability, environmental protection, and balanced development in different parts of Spain. Over the past few days, several regions have celebrated key milestones, both in emblematic anniversaries and in the consolidation or launch of new projects linked to the protection of these spaces and the quality of life of their inhabitants.
The last few days have made it clear that the protection of the biosphere It is not the exclusive task of administrations, but rather the result of ongoing dialogue between institutions, civil society, the productive sector, and local stakeholders. Examples of celebration, advocacy, and even learning have taken place on islands such as Gran Canaria, La Palma, and Lanzarote, and in peninsular enclaves such as Valencia, the Llanada Alavesa, and La Siberia in Extremadura.
20 years of the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve
The Island Gran Canaria has commemorated the twentieth anniversary of its Biosphere Reserve with a series of activities, exhibitions, and photography displays focused on raising awareness of the key role of this protected area. This reserve represents the 42% of the island's surface and includes both terrestrial areas and a significant marine strip, covering thousands of hectares full of endemic species and intriguing biodiversity. With more than 6.000 species registered, more than a thousand of them endemic, the island is considered a true global biodiversity hotspot.
The anniversary It is a reminder of the collective involvement required by the management of a space that, in addition to natural wealth, is home to some 16.000 people, whose commitment is essential to ensuring environmental protection and sustainable development. Over the years, management has become highly professional, with a dedicated institute and a multidisciplinary team of experts, who have managed to scale projects and expand both funding and the reserve's social impact.
Gran Canaria has also become an international benchmark: It is the only Spanish island with simultaneous recognition as a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has required the deployment of governance formulas innovative and coordinated to harmonize conservation, tourism, agriculture and cultural management. Protected natural areas in Mexico offer an example of how to successfully manage similar spaces.
All of this effort has also been reinforced by the involvement of the local population, thanks to grants for social organizations, eco-schools, awareness campaigns, and the development of routes and infrastructure that facilitate the sustainable enjoyment of the environment.
La Palma: 42 years between conservation and transformation
The Island La Palma celebrates more than four decades since the first declaration of one of its enclaves as a Biosphere Reserve, a process that culminated in 2002 with the protection of the entire island under this international seal. The commemorations have highlighted a history that combines the ecological conservation with a firm commitment to social change and resilience.
Special prominence has been given to the La Palma World Biosphere Reserve Foundation, considered a key player in the island's reconstruction after the recent volcanic eruption. More than 140 projects They have been promoted in areas such as environmental restoration, energy efficiency, land stewardship, and agroecology, many of them financed by European funds and implemented with complete transparency, according to the Island Council.
The anniversary has also brought recognition, such as the appointment of Goodwill Ambassadors and tributes to citizens committed to the local natural and cultural heritage. In addition, a Roadmap aimed at strengthening climate adaptation, eco-social education, and the rooting of traditional values in a global context marked by crisis and cultural transformation.
Lanzarote and La Siberia: Boosting Participation and Sustainability
For its part, the Lanzarote Biosphere Reserve The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food has taken a further step by approving regulatory bases for new grants for non-profit organizations in Lanzarote and La Graciosa. The purpose of these grants is to promote projects that promote biodiversity, the circular economy, environmental restoration, and raise awareness about the values of protected environments. The process will be competitive, and initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals will be prioritized.
In the case of Siberia (Badajoz), the Provincial Council has just approved the regulations of its General Council of the Biosphere Reserve, an essential step towards accessing European funds and strengthening the management of a region particularly affected by depopulation. Political debate has been present in the process, although the administrations involved show a willingness to consent and to continue a key project for rural development, conservation and social innovation in the Extremadura region.
Valencia and Llanada Alavesa: participatory processes underway
On the Mediterranean coast, Valencia The Albufera Biosphere Reserve candidacy process has been resumed for UNESCO. Recent weeks have been marked by technical meetings and participatory workshops aimed at gathering the opinions of all stakeholders involved in this site of incalculable ecological, agricultural, and cultural value. The integration of traditional uses such as hunting, fishing, and agriculture is fundamental to this process. Despite setbacks, such as the 2024 Dana, the goal is to achieve full support before the final submission at the end of the year.
Similarly, in the Alava Plain, Vitoria-Gasteiz and its surroundings have opened a public dialogue to explore the possibility of becoming a Biosphere Reserve. The process is in its initial phase, focusing on active listening and social debates about the benefits and challenges that this protection status would entail for one of the most populated areas that could obtain this recognition. Participatory management in these processes reflects the importance of recognizing the biosphere as a space for coexistence and sustainability.
These examples across the country demonstrate a firm path toward sustainability and participatory management, where citizens and institutions collaborate to protect natural resources, promote local culture, and open up opportunities for rural development without sacrificing conservation. A constantly evolving model that, judging by these events, has the support and energy necessary to face the challenges of the future.
