Lanzarote’s Famara restoration project named national finalist
A groundbreaking environmental initiative on Lanzarote, the Famara Summit Restoration Project, has been selected as a finalist in the “Europa se Siente Verde” (Europe Feels Green) category of a major national competition. The project, promoted by the Government of the Canary Islands and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), was recognized in the contest organized by the General Secretariat of European Funds of the Ministry of Finance.
A prestigious recognition for canarian conservation
This third edition of the awards received an impressive 240 submissions from across Spain, including five from the Canary Islands, spread across six categories. The Famara project competed in the “Europa se Siente Verde” category, which is dedicated to initiatives linked to energy transition, the fight against climate change, and environmental restoration. It was one of 54 projects vying for the title, and now stands as one of only three finalists, alongside Beerisk from Andalusia and Central de Calor Txantrea from Navarra.
Protecting a unique ecological treasure
The Famara Restoration Project represents a comprehensive conservation effort in one of Lanzarote’s most ecologically valuable areas, a habitat for over 350 endemic species. With a budget exceeding €1.7 million, co-financed by the Canarias FEDER 2014-2020 program, the initiative has established itself as a pilot site for future restoration work not just in the Canary Islands, but across the wider Macaronesia region.
Tangible results and community involvement
The project’s achievements are both significant and inspiring. Teams have successfully collected seeds from 40 different species and produced over 10,000 native plants, helping to secure the future of the local flora. What truly sets this project apart is its deeply collaborative nature, actively involving various public administrations and private entities. A standout feature has been the engagement of the educational community and the involvement of the Ministry of Defence through the Air Surveillance Squadron (EVA-22), notably through the successful establishment of producer gardens.
A model for sustainable innovation
This innovative project boasts tremendous social and environmental impact, and its successful methods are designed to be replicable in other regions, directly contributing to national and international climate and restoration goals. Mariano Hernández Zapata, the Regional Minister for Ecological Transition and Energy, stated that “this recognition positions our archipelago as a benchmark for the restoration of unique and vulnerable habitats, and reinforces our commitment to sustainability and the fight against climate change.”
He added that the project is a clear example of “how European funds, when well managed, enable the development of innovative initiatives that combine applied science, bioengineering, and societal participation.” He emphasized that the Famara Summit Restoration is far more than just another initiative; it is a pioneering model that seamlessly blends applied science, bioengineering, and environmental education with social engagement and inclusion.
Encouraging the public to show their support, Hernández Zapata invited the people of the Canary Islands “to back this candidacy with their vote, as it represents not only the defence of our natural heritage but also a firm commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.”
