UNESCO Validates Updated Zoning and Boundaries for Anaga Biosphere Reserve

The recent update to the official maps of the Anaga Massif marks a significant step forward in how protected areas are managed in the Canary Islands. Following a mandatory ten-year review, UNESCO has validated these changes, proving that precise geographic data is essential for effective environmental governance. While the Tenerife Island Council led this update, it is important to note that this is not a physical expansion of the territory; rather, it is a correction of data to better reflect the reality of the landscape.

The Biosphere Reserve now covers a total of 49,948.84 hectares—an increase of 1,221.23 hectares since 2015. This includes 1,160 additional hectares of land and roughly 50 hectares of marine territory, extending to a depth of 1,000 meters. The updated zoning now sets the core area at 1,870.23 hectares, with buffer and transition zones covering 9,645.29 and 38,433.32 hectares, respectively.

A key part of this update is aligning UNESCO’s standards with European environmental regulations. The marine core zone has been adjusted to incorporate the Anaga Marine Area, which is already a Special Protection Area for Birds under the EU’s Natura 2000 network. By integrating these zones, the waters now provide a more effective protective barrier for the Roques de Anaga.

This update comes at a vital time for the region. With a population of over 20,000, Anaga is working to address the challenges of an aging population and the decline of its traditional hamlets. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition stresses that the goal is to support local industries like farming, livestock, and fishing—which are central to the area’s cultural identity—without harming the unique laurel forests and native species. By clarifying exactly what activities are permitted in different zones, this new framework aims to provide the legal certainty needed to balance environmental protection with the livelihoods of those who call Anaga home.