Ecotourist Commitment
The challenge of a living territory
More than a protected space, a space for the protection of individuals
Biosphere Reserves are unique places where it is necessary to harmonize the conservation of nature and cultural values with responsible economic and social development.
This Biosphere Reserve covers the entire island of La Palma, including its Marine Reserve, its spectacular sky and the people who give meaning to this recognition for its history and uniqueness.
This harmony of the values inherent to the territory and the sustainable development of the community go hand in hand as a commitment and a responsibility of its inhabitants and visitors.
Welcome, curious travelers, to a fascinating tour of the island of La Palma, which is a Biosphere Reserve!
Our history as a Biosphere Reserve began in 1983 when 511 hectares of the "El Canal y Los Tiles" estate were declared a Biosphere Reserve, the first island in Spain to receive this important international recognition.
Despite being at that time, the smallest Spanish Biosphere Reserve, it housed a very interesting sample of laurel forest that has survived since the Tertiary Era, more than 1.6 million years ago.
After a small extension of the territory in 1998, it was not until 2002 when in an emotional Plenary Session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO, the entire island territory was proclaimed a World Biosphere Reserve. It was a transcendental moment that recognized the unique richness of this natural paradise.
The inclusion of the entire island in the Biosphere Reserve not only consecrated the areas of unquestionable beauty, such as the imposing La Caldera de Taburiente National Park, but also extended the principles of sustainability to every corner, whether urban, rural or maritime.
The entity that manages our Biosphere Reserve is La Fundación Canaria Reserva Mundial de la Biosfera La Palma, which has a varied technical team that develops a multitude of projects in the territory, advises and promotes knowledge and participation in various areas.
As a differentiating element, since 2004 we have the Brand and Logo "La Palma World Biosphere Reserve" that identifies local products, tourist services, crafts and friendly companies, committed to responsible management, which are all part of the Biosphere Community .
Look for our Brand! to make sure you make use of these products, goods and services to contribute to entities that are committed to local development and a conscious economy. More than 350 entities have made our logo their emblem of commitment to our territory.
One of the missions of La Reserva de la Biosfera is to develop a beneficial tourism for the island and for travelers, therefore, the Foundation is part of the Ecotourism Association in Spain since its constitution in 2010, and since 2013 the Foundation has been part of the Ecotourism Association in Spain.n in 2010, and since 2013 the destination and its companies adhered to the brand La Palma World Biosphere Reserve are adhered to Soy Ecoturista, thus demonstrating its commitment to the conservation of its heritage and local development.