La Palma Moves to Protect 2021 Eruption Landscape
The Canary Islands Government’s Ministry of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Waters has opened a public consultation on a draft law to expand the territorial scope of the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park (P-4). The proposal incorporates the Tajogaite volcanic cone, its surrounding eruptive fissures, and the lava field generated by the 2021 volcanic eruption on La Palma.
New Protected Areas for Lava Deltas
The regulatory project also envisages the declaration of two new protected spaces linked to the lava deltas formed during the eruption. These are the ‘Costa del Perdido’ Northern Lava Delta Integral Natural Reserve and the ‘Costa del Guirre’ Southern Lava Delta Special Natural Reserve. In total, these three new natural areas cover a combined surface area of 309.5 hectares.
Public Consultation Now Open
The announcement, published by the Technical General Secretariat of the Ministry, initiates a 20-working-day public information period. This allows any individual or legal entity to submit comments regarding the content of the draft law. The procedure is being carried out in accordance with established regional and national laws on public participation and administrative procedure.
The government notes that on 23 February 2025, the Canary Islands Government adopted an agreement expressing its favourable view on the timeliness, principles, and general objectives inspiring this draft law.
A Decisive Step for Conservation
The Director General of Territorial Planning and Territorial Cohesion, Onán Cruz, stated that this regulatory initiative represents a decisive step towards properly integrating and protecting the new volcanic landscapes that emerged after the 2021 eruption. He emphasised it will guarantee their conservation and regulate their relationship with the wider territory and local communities.
During the public consultation period, the draft bill and its explanatory report will be available for review on the Canary Islands Government’s Citizen Participation Portal, within the specific section for the Ministry of Territorial Policy, and on the Ministry’s dedicated web page for public exhibition of plans and regulations. Interested parties can submit their comments through the citizen participation portal set up for this procedure.
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