Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve

The island of Gran Canaria is known for its wonderful beaches and numerous tourist attractions. However, what not everyone knows is that Gran Canaria was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. This distinction recognizes the natural and cultural richness of the island, as well as its commitment to conservation and sustainable development. We talk about this in our blog at LastMinute Transfer and FirstMinute Excursions.

Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve

The Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve covers 46% of the island’s surface, including land and marine areas.

On one hand, the terrestrial areas feature a wide variety of ecosystems, from volcanic peaks to fine sandy beaches. Among the most outstanding habitats are the laurel forests, pine forests, shrublands, and grasslands.

On the other hand, in the marine areas, the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve harbors a significant diversity of flora and fauna. More than 2,500 species of marine plants have been identified, as well as a wide variety of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.

It should be noted that the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve is an important tourist destination. The island offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, climbing, surfing, and other water sports. It also has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous archaeological sites, museums, and interpretation centers.

At the same time, the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve is an example of how the conservation of nature can coexist with economic and social development. Thus, the island is committed to protecting its natural and cultural resources and promoting sustainable development that benefits all inhabitants.

Natural Values of the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve

One of the main natural values of the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve is the laurel forest. This is a type of subtropical forest characterized by the presence of evergreen trees. In this regard, Gran Canaria’s laurel forest is one of the best preserved in the world.

The island’s pine forests are also notable, covering an area of more than 25,000 hectares. The main types of pine forests present are the Canary Island pine, the Inagua pine, and the Orotava pine.

In turn, the shrublands of Gran Canaria are an important source of food and shelter for the local fauna. Among the most prominent species are the cardón, the tabaibal, and the sweet tabaiba.

Finally, the island’s grasslands extend across the low and midland areas. They are an important habitat for birds such as the stone curlew, the bustard, and the canary.

Cultural Values of the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve

As for the cultural values, its archaeological sites are especially relevant. The island has numerous archaeological sites dating from different periods, from prehistory to the colonial era. Among the most prominent are the Risco Caído and Cuevas del Rey sites.

For museum lovers, Gran Canaria has several museums that preserve and exhibit cultural heritage. Among the most notable are the Museo Canario, the City Museum, and the Museum of Sacred Art.

Lastly, Gran Canaria has several interpretation centers that offer information about the nature and culture of Gran Canaria. Among the most notable are the Gran Canaria Biosphere Interpretation Center and the Gran Canaria Historical Heritage Interpretation Center.

A compelling reason to visit Gran Canaria

In conclusion, the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve is a unique natural and cultural space that deserves to be protected and conserved. The island is committed to this goal and works to ensure that future generations can enjoy its riches.

For our part, at LastMinute Transfer and FirstMinute Excursions, we provide quality service that helps travelers achieve an optimal experience during their visit.