The island of Lanzarote possesses a unique charm that captivates the millions of people who visit it every year. The arrival of covid-19 has been a turning point to think about the island model we have and where we want to go. It is time to reflect and set long-term goals so that the island is at the forefront and competitive. Without forgetting to reach a balance between territory, environment, tourism and quality of life of the people who live in it.
The tourism model has already been implemented, however, we cannot forget the primary sector of the island that some time ago brought many families forward. With policies that favor the consumption and sale of local products, promoting fishing, livestock, agriculture, and, most importantly, water, surely little by little we can better combine the tourism model with other sectors.
Over the years, all the activity of the villages has revolved around the square or the pier. All kinds of products were traded in them, from vegetables and fruits to fish and meat. Until a few years ago, before the arrival of tourism on the island, we had one of the largest fishing fleets in Spain, almost disappeared. I think I belong to one of the last generations that have been able to see the boats full of sardines and tuna in Puerto Naos. What a spectacle to see how the fish was unloaded! And we have to go back to my parents and even my grandparents to remember how almost all the sands were worked; even on the slopes of the mountains you could distinguish crops of potatoes, onions, lentils...
Many families retain a "little piece of land" that they still continue to cultivate for self-consumption, which means that they always remain linked to their small plots. As my roots come from Máguez, Yé and Tahíche, I have always felt the countryside as something of our own. And the fact of working and maintaining these "little pieces of land" means maintaining the roots and remembering what our ancestors lived.
And the tourist model arrived in this place that had all the characteristics to be an ideal paradise destination. Tourists are amazed by how unusual and attractive the island is. They are also struck by the color of the houses, with white being the predominant color; as well as having only one or two heights. Difficult to find these architectural elements in other places. In the same way they are captivated by the volcanic nature of the island, being a unique landscape. Mountains and volcanoes tinged with black, brown, to reddish tones in the south of the island. A marvel for our eyes when the sun falls on them. And our beaches of crystalline waters both of white sand, contrasting with the black of the volcanic rocks, as well as those of black sand of the west coast.
César Manrique. His ideas, his art and his works, which he left reflected throughout the island giving us something that will last forever, the Tourist Centers. Powerful emblems of Lanzarote on which our main tourist attraction is based. He was ahead of his time by enhancing exceptional places on the island, transforming them into even more incredible ones and thus trapping the people who visit them. His memory will always be among us because, even if we live here, who is not excited to go back to the places that César left us for the enjoyment of all?
The protection of the environment that surrounds us is essential. If we have come this far it is because of the importance we have given to the natural environment. People who come for the first time want to feel nature in its purest form, to discover a unique landscape in the world. We have to look towards a future based on renewable energies, the protection of the environment and the fight against climate change.
We are not aware of how fortunate we are to live in this privileged environment until you discover other parts of the world and observe how the sum of all the beauty of Lanzarote is not found in any other place.
Nauzet A. Duque Torres, Secretary of Training and Action in PSOE Lanzarote Networks.
