El Hierro has been declared a Geopark by UNESCO, having been put forward by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism

UNESCO has designated the island of El Hierro as a Geopark due to its various features including the Biosphere Reserve (awarded in 2000) and six Protected Natural Areas, that cover 60% of its land mass, among which is the Integrated Marine Reserve - Mar de Las Calmas.

The geological wealth, the wondrous landscapes, the experience gained in seísmo-volcanic matters, the environmental programmes, the development of the primary sector and the hopes to become the first territory to be self-sufficient in electrical energy from renewable sources, have combined to persuaded UNESCO to confer the distinction of Geopark on El Hierro.

The candidature was put forward in Portugal at the 11th European Geoparks Conference, which was held in the Portuguese town of Arouca in October 2012, within the framework of the International Conference on Aspiring Geoparks.

Benefits for El Hierro

The island of El Hierro becomes the first Canary Island Geopark, bestowing the island with a differentiating factor that recognises its natural heritage, together with its various development lines based on sustainability.

This mark of distinction, conferred by UNESCO and of tremendous European and indeed world prestige, enhances the image of El Hierro, offers innumerable touristic benefits and allows the island to take advantage of the collaboration with a network for attracting resources, together with the support of UNESCO, in terms of international promotion and in being able to participate within the framework of funding programmes.

What is a Geopark?

A Geopark is defined as an inhabited territory with significant geological heritage in terms of its scientific value, its rarity, its aesthetic or educational value, together with its natural or cultural heritage, to which is applied a management strategy based on geoconservation and sustainable development within the community.