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 Bearing in mind the unusual nature of La Palma, it is not surprising that the majority of the island is protected. The uniqueness of its ecosystems and flora and fauna has inspired a strong conservation movement within both the Canarian and international communities. Instruments of protection operating in La Palma include:
- The Canary Island Network of Protected Natural Areas.
- Natura 2000 Network.
- Biosphere Reserves.
The natural environment of the island of La Palma is truly unique, with its ancient mountain massifs flanked by deep ravines, a rich vegetation abundant in native flora, and many recently formed volcanic edifices amongst which is the last volcano to have erupted in the islands. There are few human activities within the protected areas, and these are limited to agriculture and other traditional activities such as salt harvesting.
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One of the largest protected areas in the island is the protected landscape of Barranco de Las Angustias. This is a spectacular ravine due to the size of its cliffs and river bed, which makes Barranco de Las Angustias one of the biggest water courses in the Canary Islands. Every year the water carries copious amounts of material from the Caldera de Taburiente crater. The remainder of the protected areas in La Palma are of a varied nature, but in general they are places where humankind has left its mark transforming the land into areas of great panoramic and cultural interest (El Tablado, Tamanca and El Remo).
The integral nature reserve of Garafía Pine Forests occupies an area of huge old pine trees and it is located in one of the most isolated spots of La Palma. Further to the north and on the coast between the Juan Adalid and Gaviota headlands is the special nature reserve at Guelguén, which includes a good portion of the ravines of the north of the island. With similar characteristics, the nature park of Las Nieves encompasses one of the most important laurel forests in the Canary Islands, part of which has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
Some of the most impressive natural monuments of the island are known for their amazing geological features: the Todoque volcanic tube, Teneguía volcanoes, Aridane volcanoes, Concepción cliff, Jorado ravine and the coast of Hiscaguán. The natural monument of mount Azufre is emphasised by its unique geology and beauty.
The salt pans at Fuencaliente are a site of scientific interest as limicolous birds pass through this area, it contains the typical salt pan habitat, and it is a fine example of a harmonic relationship between man and nature. |
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