The Famara Peaks Restoration Project, promoted by the 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 Green Europe category of the national competition ‘Europe Feels’, organised by the General Secretariat of European Funds of the Ministry of Finance.
In this third edition of the competition, more than 240 applications were received from across Spain, including five from the Canary Islands, spread over six categories. In the Green Europe category, aimed at initiatives linked to energy transition, combating climate change, and environmental restoration, 54 projects competed. Only three reached the final stage: the Famara Peaks Restoration Project (Canary Islands), Beerisk (Andalusia), and the Txantrea Heating Centre (Navarra).
The minister in charge, Mariano Hernández Zapata, stated that “this recognition positions our archipelago as a benchmark in the restoration of unique and vulnerable habitats and strengthens our commitment to sustainability and the fight against climate change.” He also noted that this is a clear example of “how well-managed European funds allow the development of innovative initiatives that combine applied science, bioengineering, and public participation.”
Zapata further emphasised “the tremendous work carried out by the Biodiversity Service of the Ministry and all the technicians involved in this project, who are dedicated and committed to building a Canary Islands that adapts to the challenges of climate change while providing development opportunities for young people on the island of Lanzarote.”
He explained that the Famara Peaks Restoration Project is not just another initiative but a project that fuses applied science, bioengineering, and environmental education with social involvement and inclusivity, making it a model of innovation and citizen participation for natural space recovery, “thereby making it more than worthy of this recognition.”
In this same vein, Zapata encouraged the Canary Islands citizens “to support this candidacy with their vote, which represents not only the defence of our natural heritage but also a determined commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.”
The restoration project for Famara constitutes a comprehensive conservation initiative in one of the most ecologically valuable areas of Lanzarote, boasting over 350 endemic species. It had a budget of more than €1.7 million, 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 in Macaronesia.
Throughout 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 actively participated. Notably, the involvement of the educational community and the Ministry of Defence through the Air Surveillance Squadron (EVA-22) has contributed to the successful establishment of producers’ gardens. This project is undoubtedly innovative, with significant social and environmental impact, and its results could be replicable in other areas, aiding the achievement of climate and restoration objectives.
The three finalists will present their projects on 10th 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.
