The Famara Summits Restoration project, promoted by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy of the Government of the Canary Islands and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), has been selected as a finalist in the Europa se Siente Verde category of the national competition 'Europa se Siente', organized by the General Secretariat of European Funds of the Ministry of Finance.
In this third edition of the contest, more than 240 applications were received from all over Spain, including five from the Canary Islands, distributed in six categories. In the Europa se Siente Verde category, aimed at initiatives linked to energy transition, the fight against climate change and environmental restoration, 54 projects competed. Only three accessed the final phase: Restoration of the Famara Summits (Canary Islands), Beerisk (Andalusia) and Central de Calor Txantrea (Navarra).
The area councilor, Mariano Hernández Zapata, stated that "this recognition places our archipelago as a benchmark in the restoration of unique and vulnerable habitats, and reinforces our commitment to sustainability and the fight against climate change." In addition, he added that it is a clear example of "how European funds, well managed, allow the development of innovative initiatives that combine applied science, bioengineering and participation of society".
Zapata also wanted to value "the enormous work carried out by the Biodiversity Service of the Ministry and that of all the technicians who work on this project with the illusion and commitment to build a Canary Islands that adapts to the challenges of climate change, while providing development opportunities for young people on the island of Lanzarote".
According to him, the Restoration of the Famara Summits is not just another initiative, but a project that combines applied science, bioengineering and environmental education with social involvement and inclusion, becoming a model of innovation and citizen participation for the recovery of natural spaces, "which makes it more than deserving of this recognition.
In this same line, Zapata encouraged the citizens of the Canary Islands "to support this candidacy with their vote, which represents not only the defense 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 a comprehensive conservation action in one of the areas of greatest ecological value in Lanzarote, with more than 350 endemic species. It had a budget of more than 1.7 million euros, co-financed by the Canary Islands ERDF Program 2014-2020, and has been consolidated as a pilot space for future interventions in the archipelago and in Macaronesia.
During the process seeds of 40 species have been collected and the production of more than 10,000 specimens of native flora has been achieved. In addition, various public administrations and private entities have been actively involved. The participation of the educational community stands out, as well as the involvement of the Ministry of Defense through the Air Surveillance Squadron (EVA-22) through the successful implementation of the producers' orchards. It is, without a doubt, an innovative project with a great social and environmental impact, whose results can be replicated in other parts of the territory, contributing to the fulfillment of climate and restoration objectives.
The three finalists will present their projects on October 10, 2025 at the Annual European Funds Event, which will take place in Santa Coloma de Gramenet (Barcelona). The voting format will be announced soon.