Anaga Massif UNESCO Reserve Renewed, Area Recalculated to 49,948 Hectares

The Anaga Massif has officially renewed its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This recognition comes with an updated total size, now covering 49,948.84 hectares. This is an increase of 1,221 hectares compared to its size in 2015. However, this growth isn't because the reserve has expanded its borders. Instead, it's due to a technical review that allowed for a more accurate measurement of the area. Details about these changes are available for public review for twenty days after being published in the Official Gazette of the Province.

During its ten-year review, conducted by UNESCO in 2025, some differences were found in the reserve's size data. These differences are because mapping tools have improved over time. New technology now allows for much more precise mapping of natural features like ravines and mountains. This has led to a recalculation of the reserve's total area. Specifically, the land area has grown from 15,489.01 to 16,652.65 hectares, and the marine area from 33,238.6 to 33,296.19 hectares. This brings the new total to over 49,900 hectares, up from the previous 48,727.61 hectares.

Beyond just better mapping, the update also includes changes to how the reserve is divided into zones. It now clearly includes the Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) within the Anaga Marine Space, which is part of Europe's Natura 2000 ecological network. This ZEPA is now officially recognized as a marine buffer zone – a protective area that surrounds the main land area, known as the Roques de Anaga.

Officials from the Cabildo's Natural Environment department emphasized that UNESCO's confirmation of the Biosphere Reserve title is a significant achievement, showing a strong dedication to protecting the region. Blanca Pérez, the island councilor for this department, explained that this review process did more than just update information about the area. It also helped to align different existing protection measures, fully incorporating the European Natura 2000 Network into the reserve's zoning plan. This technical effort aims to ensure the reserve meets international standards and accurately reflects the local environment.

A key focus of these changes has been to strengthen the buffer zones, especially in the marine areas. By clearly including the ZEPA of the Anaga Marine Space as a buffer zone for the Roques de Anaga, the update acknowledges the natural connection between land and sea ecosystems. This strengthens the overall conservation efforts. This step, it was noted, follows the rules of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which require clear buffer zones. These zones help protect the core areas effectively while also allowing for sustainable activities.