A Pause for Reflection
Sometimes, we need to slow down and listen—to the whisper of the wind through the pines of Inagua, or the flutter of the rare blue chaffinch’s wings. These moments blur the line between dream and reality, reminding us of what truly matters. Recently, amid the rush of city life, we paused to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Gran Canaria’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, bringing its heartbeat to the island’s capital through an exhibition of photographs and informative panels. This milestone isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to protect the natural and cultural treasures that define this unique landscape.
A Living Laboratory of Biodiversity
Designated in 2005, the Biosphere Reserve spans over 103,000 hectares—42% of Gran Canaria’s landmass—including 66,000 terrestrial hectares and a 37,000-hectare marine zone. It’s a hotspot of biodiversity, home to 6,084 recorded species, 1,024 of which are endemic. This isn’t just a protected area; it’s a living laboratory where evolution unfolds daily. Yet, its true guardians are the 16,000 residents who call this reserve home, embodying a sustainable way of life that balances tradition with modern challenges like climate adaptation and rural depopulation.
Guardians of the Land
In an era of unchecked capitalism and homogenization, Gran Canaria stands firm in defending its natural and cultural identity. The Biosphere Reserve is more than a UNESCO badge—it’s proof of the island’s historic harmony between people and nature. But with recognition comes responsibility. The reserve’s future hinges on sustainable practices and the voices of its communities, who are the true stewards of this land. Their knowledge, passed down through generations, offers invaluable lessons in resilience.
A Model for Global Governance
Gran Canaria’s Biosphere Reserve is exceptional—not just in Spain, but globally. It’s one of the few places to hold dual UNESCO designations: the Biosphere Reserve and the Risco Caído and Sacred Mountains Cultural Landscape (awarded in 2019). This unique status has spurred innovative governance through the Institute for Integrated Management of the Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage, which coordinates policies across tourism, agriculture, and conservation. Budgets have skyrocketed from €100,000 in 2015 to €9.6 million in 2025, funding a 22-person team of experts and grassroots projects.
Rooted in Community
From eco-schools teaching children about their heritage to grants supporting local NGOs, the reserve thrives on civic engagement. Initiatives like “Creating Biosphere Community” weave sustainability into daily life, while new trails and the Degollada de Becerra Interpretation Center invite visitors to explore responsibly. The island’s commitment is clear: progress must honor the past. As we mark 20 years, we celebrate not just a reserve, but a shared vision—one where the blue chaffinch soars, and dreams of a sustainable future take flight.
