The Cabildo of Lanzarote has unanimously approved an institutional declaration in support of the island's camel sector. According to the institution, it represents a common position of the Corporation in defense of an activity with strong historical, social, and economic roots, especially linked to the environment of Timanfaya National Park.
The declaration acknowledges the need to protect and defend the sector's role against challenges that affect its image, highlighting its contribution to both the tourist development of Lanzarote and the maintenance of traditions linked to the territory. Likewise, it emphasizes that it is an activity that supports dozens of families and is part of the island's identity.
The president and counselor of Agriculture of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, pointed out that “this institutional declaration ratifies a clear position of the entire Corporation in defense of the camel sector, and that unity must serve as an example before a sector that not only needs economic resources, but also a regulatory framework that gives it security and protection”.
Likewise, he indicated that “from the Agriculture area, numerous meetings have been held and files have been promoted to coordinate efforts and accredit, on a technical basis, animal welfare in the activity,” and added that “work is being done together with the University of Córdoba to reinforce that scientific endorsement and advance in the protection and development of the Canarian camel breed.”
For his part, counselor Jesús Machín, explained that “it is a sector that has been linked to the development of Lanzarote for centuries, that has known how to adapt without losing its essence and that today continues to be part of the island's landscape and life”. He added that “it is necessary that from the institutions a clear and joint response be given to information that does not correspond to the reality of the daily work carried out by camel families.
In this regard, Machín stressed that “Timanfaya cannot be understood without the camel, nor the agricultural landscape of Lanzarote without its historical contribution,” and pointed out that “defending this sector is also protecting a fundamental part of our culture and our island model.”
The approved agreement establishes the Cabildo's support for camel activity and its defense in the different institutional spheres, as well as the request to the Parliament of the Canary Islands to adopt a position along the same lines.
The declaration highlights that the presence of the camel in Lanzarote has been documented since the 15th century and that its role has been decisive both in agricultural development after the volcanic eruptions and in the subsequent evolution towards a unique tourist model. Currently, the camel riding activity in Timanfaya continues to be regulated and constitutes one of the most recognizable attractions of the destination.
Furthermore, it is highlighted that the core of Uga concentrates the main camel herd in Europe, managed by family farms that have passed down the trade for generations, consolidating a model that combines tradition, economic activity, and landscape maintenance.