Anaga Biofest Wins Social Innovation Award as Model for Regenerative Tourism
The award-winning Anaga Biofest is promoting regenerative tourism in the Canary Islands by blending cultural heritage, scientific research, and local economic development within the Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve.
The Anaga Biofest is setting a new standard for regenerative tourism in the Canary Islands. Taking place from October 10 to 12, the event has already earned the 2026 Magallanes-Elcano Award for Social Innovation, beating out over 200 other entries from across Ibero-America. More than just a festival, it serves as a vital tool for boosting the local economy and preserving the heritage of the Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve.
Organized by Ecotouristing Ideas Regenerativas with support from local government and foundations, the festival connects the municipalities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and Tegueste. Its main goal is to celebrate traditional trades and local biodiversity. For instance, in Taborno, the program focuses on rural history and farming, highlighting the recovery of the "papa borralla" potato and showcasing traditional weaving techniques, including the intricate Canarian "roseta" lace.
The festival also features a strong scientific focus through the "Nidómetro" project. This citizen science initiative has seen great success, with 50% of the nest boxes installed for the Canary Islands blue tit now occupied, resulting in 112 fledglings. The event’s cultural lineup is equally diverse, featuring concerts by JABLE and La Cangreja in La Laguna, alongside workshops on pottery, basketry, and cyanotype photography. Visitors can also explore the region’s history through guided walks along traditional trails between El Batán, Pedro Álvarez, and Tegueste.
The true value of the Anaga Biofest lies in how it empowers local residents to manage and protect their own environment. Officials from the Santa Cruz City Council and the Anaga District Council have praised the model for creating economic opportunities without harming the area’s natural beauty. By hosting local markets like "La Recova" and wine tastings featuring products from the Biosphere Reserve, the festival celebrates the community’s identity and provides a blueprint for how tourism can help rural areas thrive for years to come.