Route to Lanzarote for green travellers

It was 1995 when the First World Charter of Sustainable Tourism was signed in Lanzarote, pearl of the Canary Islands. In front of Jameos del Agua, one of the most significant works by César Manrique, the island's symbolic artist and a key figure in the enhancement of the territory, a path was traced that today, more than ever, is decisive, but which then with its pioneering document represented a turning point in the way tourism was conceived, anticipating the principles increasingly shared at a global level for responsible tourism development, respectful of the environment, local cultures and host communities.

Lanzarote gives a rendezvous on the island to all green travellers on 2 July when its commitment to sustainable tourism, in line with the UN 'Sustainable Development Goals' and the Glasgow Agreements for decarbonisation with meetings, will be reconfirmed. In fact, the cycle of meetings and activities involving institutions, tourism stakeholders and local communities will continue throughout the year, with the aim of reflecting on the progress made and the future challenges of sustainable tourism at a global level. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco in 1993 and the first destination certified by Biosphere Responsible Tourism in 2015, Lanzarote represents a virtuous example of sustainable development, the result of the population's constant commitment to safeguarding the territory. "This anniversary reinforces the island's vocation as a pioneering destination, where tourism, culture and nature coexist in balance," emphasises Héctor Fernández, general director of SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote, "and will be the starting point for new strategic actions in favour of a more conscious and responsible tourism."

Concrete examples of sustainability on the island include the Timanfaya National Park, the CACT (Centre for Art, Culture and Tourism), and the traditional viticulture of La Geria. The Timanfaya National Park provides regulated access by authorised buses, which avoid free movement of visitors and significantly reduce environmental pressure on the area. This system protects the delicate volcanic ecosystem, preserves the integrity of the landscape and offers tourists an educational and conscious experience. The Centre for Art, Culture and Tourism (CACT) includes iconic sites such as Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes and the Mirador del Río, designed by César Manrique. These are emblematic examples of the harmonious integration of architecture and nature, managed with care for the environment and minimal impact on the territory. La Geria, the island's famous wine-growing area, is home to a unique form of cultivation in which vines grow in holes dug in the volcanic ash. This system represents a perfect balance between agricultural innovation and tradition, and is a sustainable practice that also offers interesting wine tourism routes. Also not to be overlooked are the rural eco lodgings scattered around the island, which stand out for their environmentally friendly hospitality, thanks to the use of solar panels, rainwater collection systems and natural materials in their construction.

 Finally, the island offers numerous environmentally friendly tourist activities: hiking or cycling in natural parks, kayaking along the coast, responsible snorkelling near sea reefs, and educational itineraries on local biodiversity and geology, led by local guides. Since 2024, the Spanish Tourist Board has also launched a thematic section on the Spain.info portal (https://sustainability.spain.info) to promote a different and more conscious way of travelling in the country, with suggestions and recommendations for choosing Spain as a sustainable destination and promoting more conscious and responsible tourism.