Political erosion dismantles the conservation network existing in the Canary Islands

Abstract

The outstanding nature of the Canary Islands has been recognized by European, national and regional administrations since the arrival of democracy in Spain. Forty‐five per cent of its emerged territory has been declared as Natural Protected Areas, four Canarian National Parks were included within the Spanish network, more than 200 endemics were listed in the Spanish catalogue of endangered species, and 450 species were listed in the Canarian catalogue of protected species. However, in recent years, political decisions have started dismantling this splendid conservation network, which impedes construction of large infrastructure, golf courses and resorts, despite the advice of the scientific community. Canarian nature is now facing two threats: delisting and downgrading of numerous endangered species, and transfer of the management of Canarian National Parks to the regional administration.