El Hierro Greenlights Marine National Park in Mar de Las Calmas
In an extraordinary session held this Friday, El Hierro’s Island Council approved a motion to support the creation of a Marine National Park in Mar de Las Calmas. The decision passed with votes from the governing coalition (PSOE, AH, and IUC-Reunir), while the Popular Party (PP) abstained. The Independent Herreño Group (AHI) did not vote, citing procedural disagreements and announcing plans to challenge the decision.
Institutional Support for Environmental and Economic Growth
The council’s president emphasized that the motion reflects institutional backing for the marine park, recognizing its potential environmental, economic, and social benefits for the island. The approved text outlines the council’s aspiration to collaborate with the Canary Islands Government and the Spanish State in managing the park, pending legislative approval.
Broad Consultation and Unprecedented Consensus
The council highlighted the inclusive process behind the proposal, involving local stakeholders and residents—a level of participation described as “unprecedented in Spain’s protected natural area designations.” Nearly all submitted concerns were addressed, reinforcing the project’s legitimacy. The agreement will be formally communicated to El Hierro’s municipalities, other Canary Islands councils, the Canary Islands Parliament, and Spain’s National Parks Authority.
A Strategic Opportunity for Sustainable Development
The motion underscores the marine park as a strategic opportunity for El Hierro, promising to revitalize the local economy through sustainable tourism and job creation while preserving marine biodiversity. It also aligns with the island’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Although marine protected areas fall under state jurisdiction, the council expressed its intent to actively participate in co-management once legal frameworks permit.
