Environment in Lanzarote

You will find that throughout the Canaries, local inhabitants give much importance to the environment and its preservation. But in Lanzarote, not only extreme care – which once was vital for the inhabitants to survive in the first place – is put into everything that is related to the island’s natural assets but environment consciousness has also become an integrated part of their lives.

Lanzaroteños are not only a highly environment-oriented people, but they are also very proud of their origins and their island. Their volcanic history, the tight symbiosis they live with nature, the aridity of their land and climate have taught the Lanzaroteños how to make the most of what they have been given by nature. After the last devastating eruptions, instead of giving up on their island, local inhabitants have developed ingenious cultivation methods (like the dry farming method called enarenado where plants are grown in black granules of volcanic ash, known for its ability to absorb humidity) and established landscape protection measures in order to preserve and emphasise the unique natural wealth of their island.

In this context, César Manrique’s name must be brought up, as he can be made largely responsible for the environment consciousness Lanzarote is demonstrating today. Having spent many years working abroad, he was shocked when he returned to Lanzarote in 1968 and saw the development that his native island had gone through. By then, he decided he would devote his life to the prevention of an uncontrolled tourism development. As he exerted a strong influence on the island’s council, he was able to set up autocratic guidelines that would preserve Lanzarote’s unspoiled charm. Banning of rubbish tipping and roadside hoardings were two of the measures highly defended by César Manrique, who was rewarded for his commitment with the World Ecology and Tourism Award in 1978 and the Europa Nostra Award in 1986.

The combined efforts of the local authorities, the people of Lanzarote and – last but not least – of César Manrique were internationally recognized when Lanzarote was declared World Biosphere Reserve on the 7th of October 1993. But this declaration brought up a new element – for the first time an entire area, including its population nucleus, was declared World Biosphere Reserve. In 1971 UNESCO created the Biosphere Reserve, in order to distinguish and maintain the territories where one can find ecosystems representative of a certain region. Other criteria evaluated for this acknowledgement also include a balanced economical development and the compatibility between the use of the territory and the conservation of its natural resources.

Also counting for Lanzarote’s declaration as World Biosphere Reserve were the high level of environmental culture among the locals, the presence of unique landscapes (such as the National Park of Timanfaya) as well as numerous spectacular natural sights, some of them only accentuated in their natural beauty and adapted for visitors to appreciate, representing one of the most peculiar and most beautiful patrimonies that can be found in the world.

• NOTE •

When touring the island, look around and make yourself aware of all the efforts made for the preservation of Lanzarote’s landscapes and nature attractions and you will surely want to make your own contribution too. For example, throwing rubbish on the ground is considered a big offence and, as Lanzarote shares the problem of lacking fresh water supplies with the other islands of the archipelago, be conscious about your water consumption during your holiday on this unique island!