La Oliva Biological Station Restoration Nears Completion
The environmental‑restoration works carried out by the Cabildo of Fuerteventura at the La Oliva Biological Station have entered their final stretch. The initiative aims to boost the island’s biodiversity and reinforce the production of key native plant species for the archipelago’s ecosystems.
According to information released by the island corporation, the project includes the construction of a multitunnel greenhouse covering 3,224.5 m², designed to improve the acquisition and maintenance of plant species that will later be propagated throughout the islands.
In addition, the plan adds a 237.5 m² auxiliary building for substrate storage and preparation, as well as a germplasm bank of 2,626 m², which will serve as a seed and cutting repository for reforestation efforts and as a living collection of the island’s flora.
The Cabildo’s president, Lola García, and the Environment Councilor, Carlos Rodríguez, inspected the works together with La Oliva’s mayor, Isaí Blanco, and area councilor David Fajardo.
The Cabildo explains that this action is part of a broader terrestrial ecosystem recovery programme, financed with Next Generation EU funds under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (Component 4, Investment 3) of the Canary Islands’ Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy.
The same programme also includes reforestation projects in Castillo de Lara, Betancuria, and, according to the island’s press release, progress on the restoration of the dune system in the Corralejo Natural Park—another EU‑funded intervention aimed at recovering and safeguarding this priority ecosystem of Fuerteventura.
“These actions are part of the Cabildo’s commitment to conserve and valorise the island’s natural resources, expanding our capacity to protect and study the native and endemic flora,” said President Lola García.
“The project will enable the recovery of native flora, the removal of invasive toxic species, an increase in biodiversity, and the creation of infrastructure for producing native plant species. It ties in with other initiatives from our department, such as the restoration of steppe habitats and the fight against desertification on the Gavias del Cárcel estate,” explained Environment Councilor Carlos Rodríguez.
“The conservation of ecosystems means investing in the care of the island’s flora for future generations,” added Mayor Isaí Blanco.