Ambitious La Oliva Biological Station Project Enters Final Stretch

The president of the Cabildo, Lola García, and the Environment Councilor, Carlos Rodríguez, inspected the progress of the works firsthand, accompanied by the mayor of La Oliva, Isaí Blanco, and the area councilor, David Fajardo.

The environmental restoration initiative carried out by the Cabildo of Fuerteventura at the La Oliva Biological Station is now in its concluding stage. The effort aims to boost the island’s biodiversity and create infrastructure that enables the production of native plant species crucial for the archipelago’s ecosystems.

Key components nearing completion include:

• A multitunnel greenhouse covering 3,224.5 m², designed to improve the cultivation and maintenance of plant species for propagation across the island.
• An adjoining storage and substrate‑preparation hall of 237.5 m².
• A germplasm bank spanning 2,626 m², which will serve as a repository for seeds and cuttings for reforestation, as well as a living collection of the island’s flora.

“These actions are part of the Cabildo’s commitment to conserve and valorise the island’s natural resources. Protecting and restoring our ecosystems is an investment in Fuerteventura’s future, expanding our capacity to conserve and study the native and endemic flora,” said President Lola García.

Councilor Carlos Rodríguez highlighted the project’s role in safeguarding Fuerteventura’s biodiversity:

“With these measures we expect to recover native flora, eliminate invasive toxic species, increase biodiversity, and create infrastructure that supports the production of native plant species essential for our ecosystems.”

Rodríguez also referenced other important initiatives, such as the pioneering effort by the Environment Department at the Gavías del Cárcel farm, which aims to restore habitats for steppe birds and combat desertification.

Mayor Isaí Blanco added:

“We are increasingly close to strengthening environmental restoration through these facilities in our municipality. Conserving our ecosystems means investing in the care of our flora so that future generations can enjoy this part of our island.”

The terrestrial ecosystem recovery project is financed by Next Generation EU funds within the National Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), specifically under component 4, investment 3 of the Canary Islands’ Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy. It also includes reforestation actions in Castillo de Lara (Betancuria).

In parallel, the dune‑system restoration project in the Corralejo Natural Park is progressing rapidly, also funded by Next Generation EU, aiming to recover and safeguard this priority ecosystem for Fuerteventura.