In the Atlantic Ocean, Macaronesia stands out as one of the key regions for marine conservation, with Tenerife playing a prominent role. In this context, the HOPE project has established itself as a fundamental initiative for the protection of marine biodiversity, promoting the creation of a Marine Sanctuary encompassing areas of great ecological value. This project not only aims to safeguard marine ecosystems but also seeks to foster environmental education and raise societal awareness about the need to protect these spaces.
As part of this initiative, the opening of a Marine Interpretation Center and a Sea Classroom in Guía de Isora is planned, with the goal of bringing citizens closer to the knowledge and preservation of marine fauna. This educational space will allow visitors and specialists to gain a better understanding of the region's natural wealth and the importance of its conservation. The Special Conservation Zone (SCZ) Teno-Rasca, home to one of Europe's largest resident populations of cetaceans, will be a priority area within the sanctuary, ensuring protective measures for emblematic species such as short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.
The project has garnered attention beyond the local sphere, attracting interest from the European Parliament. This institutional response could translate into greater resources and political support for the creation of the Macaronesia Marine Sanctuary, strengthening conservation efforts in the Atlantic. The initiative highlights the urgency of establishing joint strategies among different countries to ensure ocean protection against threats such as climate change, pollution, and the overexploitation of marine resources.
Within this framework, Tenerife has hosted the first international meeting of HOPE project partners, bringing together experts and representatives from various nations to coordinate conservation strategies. This event has helped strengthen international collaboration, share knowledge, and define concrete actions to improve the management of marine ecosystems in the region. Special emphasis has been placed on the need to balance human development with the preservation of the marine environment, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy a healthy and biodiverse ocean.
Ultimately, Macaronesia finds itself at a crucial moment to establish itself as a leader in marine conservation. The combination of local efforts, international support, and institutional commitment may be decisive in turning this region into a model for sustainable ocean management, protecting its natural wealth and fostering greater environmental awareness in society.
From our business initiatives, we would like to congratulate the Tenerife Island Council for organizing this international meeting on the conservation of marine ecosystems. This objective is one of the central pillars of our initiatives, as seas and oceans constitute a primary source of resources for humanity and a fundamental asset in the fight against climate change.
In La Laguna, on March 20, 2025.
The Coordinator,
Miguel Muñoz
–Tenerife will be part of a large marine species sanctuary. Article published by El Día on February 20, 2025:
https://www.eldia.es/sociedad/2025/02/20/tenerife-formara-parte-gran-santuario-114489806.html
–Tenerife hosts the First Transnational Meeting of HOPE partners on marine species and cetaceans. Article published by Canal 4 Tenerife on February 20, 2025:
–The Macaronesia Sanctuary arouses the interest of the European Parliament. Article published by Tiempo de Canarias on October 25, 2023:
–The Canary Islands: A Sanctuary for Ocean Conservation. Article published on the Tenerife Vive+ festival website on April 1, 2024:
https://tenerifevivemas.es/archivos/1
 |
| From left to right, our project secretary, Ramiro Rosón, and our coordinator, Miguel Muñoz, at Bar Alazán II in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Bar Alazán II Address: C. Unamuno, 12, 38007 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Phone: 822 04 20 34 Google Maps link: https://g.co/kgs/sVPhpw7 |
