Lanzarote’s Volcanic Farmlands Gain Global Recognition
This Friday in Rome, the island of Lanzarote will be formally recognized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). This prestigious designation honors the unique value of its crops cultivated under a blanket of volcanic ash. The President of the Lanzarote Council, Oswaldo Betancort, and the Councillor for Landscape and Food Sovereignty, Samuel Martín, will attend the ceremony on behalf of the island.
An Enduring Model of Sustainability
Both officials emphasize that Lanzarote’s traditional agricultural model, with its unique farming in ‘jable’ and volcanic sands like the famous La Geria valley, “will be showcased to the world as an example of agricultural sustainability and adaptation to climate change.” The island’s traditional farming system represents “an exceptional example of adaptation to extreme environmental conditions,” the council notes.
On an island that receives less than 150 liters of rain per square meter annually, farmers have developed a cultivation system based on capturing and retaining soil moisture. They utilize ‘rofe’ (volcanic lapilli) as a natural resource to conserve humidity and protect crops from wind and salinity. This technique, combined with ‘socos’—the characteristic semicircular stone walls—has enabled the planting of essential products like grapes, fruit, legumes, and cereals.
A Legacy of Life from the Volcano
As highlighted by the FAO, these methods have guaranteed food security and the continuity of traditional agricultural practices. The GIAHS designation “strengthens Lanzarote’s commitment to protecting its landscape, environmental sustainability, and the transmission of traditional knowledge—pillars that also underpin its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Global Geopark,” the Cabildo underscores.
President Oswaldo Betancort states that “this international recognition of our agricultural landscape honors the wisdom of generations of Lanzarote residents who have known how to coexist with nature and create life from the volcano.” He adds, “It is a source of pride and also a call to continue protecting and passing on that legacy, which is part of our identity and our way of understanding sustainability.”
An Inspiring Future for Island Agriculture
In the words of Councillor Samuel Martín, “Lanzarote’s traditional agricultural system is an example of the balance between humans and the land.” He points out, “Being recognized as a GIAHS by the FAO demonstrates that island agriculture not only has a past, but also a future. It is an inspiring model of adaptation to climate change, land use, and rural resilience.”
How to Watch the Ceremony Live
The award ceremony for the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems is held every two years at the FAO headquarters. This event will gather the international community to promote the conservation of agricultural heritage, share best practices, and celebrate the uniqueness of the newly incorporated systems. The occasion will also include a digital exhibition and cultural presentations linked to the recently launched Food and Agriculture Museum and Network (MuNe).
The ceremony can be followed live on Friday, October 31st, starting at 9:00 AM Canary Islands time, via the Lanzarote Council’s website.
