canary islands biodiversity law 2026

Canary Islands to get first dedicated biodiversity law

New law to protect unique island ecosystems

The Canary Islands are closer than ever to having their first specific law on biodiversity and natural heritage. The regional government is putting the finishing touches to the draft of the future Biodiversity and Natural Resources Law, a piece of legislation designed to update the islands’ legal framework, bring it in line with national and European rules, and give the archipelago its own set of regulations for conserving its habitats, ecosystems and species.

The initiative aims to fill a legal gap in a region that is home to nearly 40% of Spain’s biodiversity and thousands of unique species. For Miguel Ángel Morcuende, director general of Natural Spaces and Biodiversity, having a regional law will make it possible to tailor environmental management to the particular needs of the islands. “The best approach is to have our own regional law,” he argues, pointing out that while national legislation sets a general framework, it does not provide the same level of detail required for an insular territory with such distinctive biodiversity.

This is because the Canary Islands were one of the few Spanish regions still lacking their own legislation on the matter. “This law puts the region in its rightful place,” says Morcuende, “bringing it into line with the national Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Law while adapting it to the particularities of the Canary Islands, which is a global biodiversity hotspot.”

Genomic bank and monitoring systems for native species

Among the key innovations in the law is the creation of the Canarian Biodiversity Genomic Bank, which will act as the official genetic and genomic register for wild and native species across the archipelago. The system will store biological samples and geo-referenced molecular information to support scientific research and improve conservation strategies.

The law also establishes the Monitoring and Evaluation System for Protected and Threatened Wild Species (SEGA), which will carry out regular checks on the conservation status of protected flora and fauna. Species listed as endangered must be reviewed at least every three years, while others will undergo periodic assessments to track their progress and adjust protection measures as needed.

Another tool included in the text is the Database of Invasive Alien Species of the Canary Islands (EXOS), designed to centralise information on where these species are found, their potential to spread, and the control or eradication efforts carried out by authorities. It will also log the appearance of new hotspots to enable a rapid response to one of the biggest threats facing island ecosystems.

Stronger marine protection and tougher penalties

The proposed law also strengthens the protection of the marine environment, an area the government considers underdeveloped in current regional legislation. The draft includes specific measures to conserve coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas, and traditional salt flats. It also sets out rules for protecting marine wildlife from boat collisions, regulating access to marine genetic resources, and creating new networks for scientific observation and monitoring.

Morcuende insists that conserving the Canary Islands’ biodiversity cannot be limited to land. “The Canary Islands are a global biodiversity hotspot,” he reminds us, a uniqueness that, in his view, requires protecting both terrestrial and marine ecosystems together and basing decisions on scientific knowledge.

The draft also toughens the penalty system. Very serious offences could result in fines of up to two million euros, while serious offences could lead to penalties of up to 200,000 euros. Among the most heavily punished actions are the destruction of protected habitats, the introduction of invasive species, and particularly serious damage to natural heritage. In addition to financial penalties, measures such as the withdrawal of subsidies, suspension of permits, or temporary closure of facilities may also be applied.

Public consultation and next steps

The text now enters a period of public consultation before continuing through the administrative process and eventually reaching the Parliament of the Canary Islands. If approved, the archipelago will, for the first time, have a dedicated law to govern the protection of one of the most unique biodiversities on the planet.

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