The ‘La Palma Biosphere Reserve’ sustainability plan has been successfully completed, involving a total investment of €2.5 million. This funding was provided by the Ministry of Tourism and Employment of the Canary Islands Government, the State Secretariat for Tourism, and the Cabildo of La Palma, the island's governing council.
The executed works include the installation of surveillance huts at the Tajogaite volcano, the construction of a walkway over the Las Angustias ravine, and the establishment of museum facilities at the El Pilar Interpretation Centre in Cumbre Vieja, among other initiatives.
Jéssica de León, the Minister of Tourism and Employment, oversees the projects through the General Directorate of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Quality Tourism. The plan has achieved 100% completion of its projects this year, following two amendments that facilitated the full execution of the committed budget. The technical assistance of Tragsatec has also supported the management of the island's resources.
The ‘La Palma Biosphere Reserve’ sustainability plan aims to promote and enhance the natural resources of La Palma, as well as public facilities for educational, cultural, and active leisure activities across various municipalities on the island. Key projects include the installation of surveillance huts at the Tajogaite volcano, the construction of a walkway over the Las Angustias ravine, and the establishment of museum facilities at the El Pilar Interpretation Centre in Cumbre Vieja. Additionally, the plan includes the improvement of iconic trails such as the Marcos and Cordero path, accessibility works at viewpoints, and the provision of resources for preventive management of the island's natural spaces.
Héctor Mateo, the General Director of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Quality Tourism, recently visited the various projects to confirm the completion of these initiatives, which aim to shift the tourism paradigm towards a more respectful approach that consolidates rural areas. The successful conclusion of the plan is attributed to inter-administrative collaboration, which has enabled the transformation of La Palma's tourism model, positioning the island as a benchmark for sustainable management.
This model, promoted by the Cabildo of La Palma, was recently recognised with the Canary Islands Award for Sustainable Tourist Destination, highlighting the territory and its natural values at the core of the tourism development model. The ‘La Palma Biosphere Reserve’ sustainability plan is part of four plans being developed by the Ministry across the archipelago.
