The Famara Peaks Restoration Project, promoted by the Regional Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy of the Canary Islands Government and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), has been selected as a finalist in the Europe Goes Green category of the national competition ‘Europe Goes Green’, organised by the General Secretary of European Funds of the Ministry of Finance.

In this third edition of the contest, more than 240 entries from across Spain were received, including five from the Canary Islands, spread across six categories. In the Europe Goes Green category, aimed at initiatives related to energy transition, the fight against climate change, and environmental restoration, 54 projects competed. Only three reached the final phase: the Famara Peaks Restoration Project (Canary Islands), Beerisk (Andalusia), and the Txantrea Heat Centre (Navarra).

The area councillor, Mariano Hernández Zapata, stated that “this recognition positions our archipelago as a benchmark in the restoration of unique and vulnerable habitats, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and the fight against climate change”. He also added that it is a clear example of “how well-managed European funds enable the development of innovative initiatives that combine applied science, bioengineering, and societal participation”.

Additionally, Zapata highlighted “the immense work carried out by the Biodiversity Service of the Ministry and all the technicians working on this project with the enthusiasm and commitment to build a Canary Islands that adapts to the challenges of climate change, while also providing development opportunities for young people on the island of Lanzarote”.

According to him, the Famara Peaks Restoration Project is not just another initiative, but rather a project that combines applied science, bioengineering, and environmental education with social involvement and inclusion, making it a model for innovation and citizen participation in the recovery of natural spaces, “which makes it truly deserving of this recognition”.

In this same vein, Zapata encouraged the Canary Islands citizens “to support this candidacy with their votes, which represents not only the defence of our natural heritage but also a firm commitment to a greener and more sustainable future”.

The Project in Detail

The Famara restoration project constitutes an integral conservation action in one of the areas of highest ecological value in Lanzarote, with over 350 endemic species. It had a budget exceeding 1.7 million euros, co-financed by the Canary Islands ERDF Programme 2014-2020, and has established itself as a pilot space for future interventions in the archipelago and Macaronesia.

During the process, seeds from 40 species have been collected, resulting in the production of over 10,000 specimens of native flora. Additionally, various public administrations and private entities have been actively involved. The participation of the educational community stands out, as does the involvement of the Ministry of Defence through the Air Surveillance Squadron (EVA-22), which has successfully initiated producer gardens. This is undoubtedly an innovative project with significant social and environmental impact, whose results may be replicable in other regions, contributing to the achievement of climate and restoration goals.

The three finalists will present their projects on 10 October 2025 at the Annual European Funds Event, which will take place in Santa Coloma de Gramenet (Barcelona). The voting format will be announced soon.