Garajonay National Park

Country

Spain

Inscribed in

1986

Criteria

(vii)

(ix)

The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "significant concern" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.

Laurel forest covers some 70% of this park, situated in the middle of the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands archipelago. The presence of springs and numerous streams assures a lush vegetation resembling that of the Tertiary, which, due to climatic changes, has largely disappeared from southern Europe. © UNESCO

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Summary

2025 Conservation Outlook

Finalised on

11 Oct 2025

Significant concern

The establishment of Garajonay National Park has prevented the loss of the largest remnant of Laurel forest in the Canary Islands after centuries of human impact such as logging for timber, firewood and charcoal production, conversion and degradation of the forest. While otherwise well-managed, a catastrophic fire in 2012 had devastating effects on the Park, including management infrastructure and equipment. The fire raged for almost three months until it could be brought under full control. Although decades will be required for the ecosystems to fully recover, signs of recovery are evident, and many areas have now partially recovered with important enabling conditions in place (including strong capacity and resourcing for tackling wildfires, ensuring monitoring and adequate funding). Measures should ensure that (i) existing plans to further study the effects of the fire are funded and implemented; (ii) the results of the studies are used to support the natural recovery of the property; (iii) future fires can be prevented or reduced in their intensity; (iv) other threats, in particular alien invasive species and feral herbivores, can effectively be addressed; and coordination and cooperation across institutions and stakeholders across the entire island can be consolidated, enabling recovery in the long term. Many of these measures have been implemented by the National Park Authority and State Party more widely. It is well-documented that the various forests subtypes of laurel forest on the island of La Gomera are not fully represented in the World Heritage site and that the inclusion of adjacent areas of high conservation significance, which had been identified and mapped, could further add to the value and integrity of the site.

Current state and trend of VALUES

High Concern

The Garajonay National Park, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1986, has adequate legal protection and management in place, and adequate funds and resources for present management, including effective responses to risks stemming from alien invasive species and fires. In cooperation with other relevant institutions and civil society, there is good potential for maintenance and recovery of the World Heritage values.

The part of the site impacted by the catastrophic fire event of 2012 has been recovering after several years of restoration activities. About 500 ha (67%) of the burned areas had been restored during the last three decades before the fires, eliminating pine plantations and recovering the original vegetation, hence relatively young fayal-heaths predominated in that area, which had a lower ecological value than the rest of the existing forests in the Park (Yanes, 2020). The highest uncertainty for future trends is the extent of the impacts of climate change on laurel forest decay rate, expansion of fire-prone species, and habitat shifting.

Overall THREATS

High Threat

The relatively small Laurel forest is vulnerable to current and future fire events, as the vulnerability of the forest has increased due to past and current use, as well as alien invasive species and climate change. Increasing tourism likewise exacerbates fire risks. Furthermore, the continuous increase in temperatures and more pronounced droughts, as well as the expected change of the altitude of the cloud formation - factors related to climate change - are significant threats likely to further increase the vulnerability of the site, in addition to the time taken for ecosystems to recover following catastrophic events.

Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT

Mostly Effective

Overall, protection and management is adequate, particularly with the implementation of the updated 2021 management plan. The legal protection status and framework for the delegation of management authority is robust. However, the small area of the property remains of concern both from an ecological and legal perspective as it ranks below the national legal requirements for minimum size.

Efforts have also been made to combat increasingly common and severe threats, however it has become clear that conventional park management, no matter how effective it may be inside the boundaries, can not avoid catastrophic events such as the major 2012 fires, suggesting a permanent need to ensure coordination and action at the level of the entire island of La Gomera. Different programs are now set in place to prevent wildfires involving coordination and cooperation across sectors and land-use designations on the entire island, and a strong seasonal firefighting capacity.

Full assessment

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Description of values

Values

World Heritage values

Exceptional remnants of a rare and exceptionally beautiful forest type

Criterion

(vii)

Garajonay National Park was set up to conserve the largest continuous area of Canary Island laurel forest, a rare relic forest type that has almost disappeared and is today mostly restricted to small fragments. Unlike remnants elsewhere in Canary Islands, Garajonay contains unique stands of old trees such as Persea and Laurus (Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente, 2014). Some 90% of the Park is covered by Laurisiliva, transitioning into ridge-top cloud forest in higher altitudes (Garcia-Santos et al., 2004; Garcia-Santos and Bruijnzeel, 2011). The beauty and particular atmosphere of the lush and almost permanently misty forests are stunning. The condensation and mists maintains the many springs and streams that flow throughout the laurel forest.

Laurel forest with very high degree of floral and faunal endemism

Criterion

(ix)

The most important feature of the site is the Laurisilva canaria, laurel dominated Laurel forest in the bottom valleys and slopes and mixed heath/beech dominated ridge-top forest (Garcia-Santos, 2012) characterized by high presence of floor and trunk mosses and liverworts (Gonzalez-Mancebo et al., 2004; Fernández et al., 2004). The site boasts a very high degree of floral endemism. Among the recorded 1991 species of flora, 49 are endemic to La Gomera island, 113 are endemic to Canary Islands and 68 to Macaronesia (Parque nacional de Garajonay, 2018). The fauna likewise shows a high degree of endemism, with 183 species endemic to La Gomera, 343 endemic to the Canary islands and 58 to Macaronesia (Parque nacional de Garajonay, 2018). This holds true in particular for invertebrates. Laurel forest in La Gomera is found between 600 and 1300 m a.s.l. growing on the humid northern slopes, or slopes covered by clouds. The most common trees are Lauraceae species (Apollonias barbujana, Laurus novocanariensis, Ocotea foetens, and Persea indica) with Ilex canariensis, Ilex perado, Picconia excelsa, Rhamnus glandulosa and Viburnum rigidum (del Arco et al., 2006). The Morella-Erica heath (Morella faya and Erica arborea) is intermixed in natural areas with laurel forest and are dominant over 1300 m, specially in southern slopes.

Other important values

Volcanic Formations

The La Gomera Island, like the rest of the Canary Islands, were formed by historic volcanic activity and tectonic plate movement. The property occupies a large proportion of the central plateau of the island and is characterized by volcanic dykes, pillar-like domes, and pitons which can be found in the southeast of the property (UNEP-WCMC, 2011).

Silbo Gomero

The original inhabitants of the island, the Guanche people, developed a whistling language known as 'Silbo Gomero' in order to effectively communicate within the valleys and landscape of the dense Laurel forest of the property and its surroundings. The language is still practiced by communities on La Gomera (around 22,000 individuals) and was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009 (Intergovernmental Committee, 2009).

Assessment information

Threats

Current Threats

High Threat

Current threats such as climate change, invasive species and the potential occurrence of wildfires (past and present) represent the largest threats to the values of the park. Garajonay National Park is a very humid forest that rarely experiences wildfires, these occur under extremely warm and dry weather. The wildfire of 2012 highlighted the vulnerability of the park to severe fires and invasive species, in addition to the long-lasting impacts on ecosystem recovery. Given the small size of the park the threat of wildfires, climate change and invasive species strongly affecting the conservation values is high.

Fire & Fire Management

(Forest fires)

High Threat

Inside site

, Widespread(15-50%)

Outside site

Intentional and accidental anthropogenic fires are common (IUCN, 1986; UNEP/WCMC, 2011). A major fire in 2012, started by arson, raged for weeks during exceptionally hot, dry and windy conditions destroying 742 ha of the National Park (i.e. 18.76% of the site) (Fernández et al., 2012; State Party of Spain, 2013; Garajonay Vive, 2016), impacting ancient laurisilva forests and many populations of endangered species as well as affecting highly valuable soils in terms of carbon sequestration and water provision, thus severely impacting the hydrological cycle of the forests (del Pino et al., 2015).

A major ecological restoration project "Garajonay Vive", funded by the EU LIFE+ programme, has reduced the impacts of the wildfire, and enabled the restoration of 26% of the total burned area. Regeneration efforts have continued by the management authority since the completion of this project in 2018 (European Commission, 2018).

Since 2012, there have been no further major forest fires, but given the extent of destruction caused by the previous one and length of time for vegetation to recover, the threat from forest fires (natural or anthropogenic) remains high.

This issue has also been raised by the State Party in the latest Periodic Reporting Cycle 3 in 2024 (State Party of Spain, 2024). A specific forest fire prevention and defence plan exists as well as additional seasonal resourcing for fire-related action.

Recreational Activities

(Indirect impacts of tourism)

Low Threat

Inside site

, Localised(<5%)

Outside site

Although the number of tourists has been increasing during the last decades from around 500,000 in 2000 to double this number (over 1,000,000 in 2019). Visitor numbers dropped slightly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic but have now largely recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

Whilst current visitation levels are not considered a concern, there appears to be a significant increase in tourism, of which impacts should be closely monitored to prevent negative impacts. Examples are the increased pressure of cars for parking, and increasing risk of accidental fires (Cabildo Insular de La Gomera, 2017). In Laguna Grande, the visitor centre and the road in between, day tour guided excursions often create congestion, although improvements have been made. Many of the parking areas are frequently full due to increasing visitor numbers. Hiking is the most popular activity, although non-compliance related to restrictions prohibiting the use of mountain bikes on trails has been detected and beginning to result in impacts along some trails.

This issue has also been raised by the State Party in the latest Periodic Reporting Cycle 3 in 2024 (State Party of Spain, 2024).

Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species

(Invasive species)

Invasive/problematic species

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Ageratina riparia

Opuntia maxima

Tradescantia fluminensis

Other invasive species names

Acacia cyanophylla

High Threat

Inside site

, Scattered(5-15%)

Outside site

Alien invasive species, such as rats, rabbits and parrots, as well as feral dogs and cats compete with and prey on native species. Their impact has been increasing over time in the island. Feral goats and sheep populations’ amount to 6000 individuals in La Gomera, their impact represents the main threat to the conservation of native insular flora, particularly for a large group of endangered species (IUCN Consultation, 2017).

In the context of species and vegetation recovery from forest fire, browsing and foraging from certain invasive species, including European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), reduces the establishment and seedling recruitment, growth rate and flowering rate of endemic Laurel species, thereby delaying forest recovery (Parada-Diaz et al., 2022).

Alien flora spreads especially in open areas, although some alien species can spread under the shaded environments of well preserved forests. The number of invasive species currently is 17. The most problematic species are Tradescantia fluminensis and Ageratina riparia in forests, and Opuntia maxima in some spots of open habitats (Gesplan, n.d).

Before the creation of the National Park, commercial forest plantations covered 13% of the site. This plantations were created with some introduced species (Eucalyptus and Monterey Pine) and another pine species endemic to the archipelago; while they are not alien species they have been planted beyond their natural range at the detriment of native vegetation within and outside the site (IUCN, 1986; UNEP/WCMC, 2011). Most of these plantations were removed and restored with native forest by the national park.

Furthermore, after the wildfire of 2012 there was a partial spread of some species, including Acacia cyanophylla over 15 ha of the burned area (Life Garajonay Vive, 2016). This invasive species is put under control after its detection, but its seeds are still present and some seedlings still arise.

This issue has also been raised by the State Party in the latest Periodic Reporting Cycle 3 in 2024 (State Party of Spain, 2024).

Terrestrial Animal Farming, Ranching & Herding

(Livestock grazing)

High Threat

Inside site

, Scattered(5-15%)

Outside site

In combination with fire and invasive plants, grazing by feral sheep, goats and the recent (illegally) introduced mouflon in La Gomera, badly impact in the native flora, especially endangered flora, for which grazing is the most important threat. This problem began in the 1990s on the island, and was only put under control within the National Park, while the number of feral herbivores increased dramatically outside the Park. Only since the beginning of 2020 large scale control actions began on the island (IUCN Consultation, 2020).

Changes in Physical & Chemical Regimes, Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime

(Severe and prolonged droughts, habitat shifting due to climate change)

Very High Threat

Inside site

, Throughout(>50%)

Outside site

A dieback of the forest has been observed in areas of lower altitude on the northern slopes which amount to over 10% of the park. Suggesting that the reduction of precipitation, increase in temperature minimum and extremes and the increase frequency of entry of warm and dry air masses from the Sahara, experienced in the last years as a consequence of climate change, are negatively impacting the values of the site (IUCN Consultation, 2017). The degree of precipitation, a key parameter conditioning the growth of Laurel forest, appears to be reaching very low levels and have suffered between a 5 and 20% decrease in the last 30 years depending on the locality within the property (Gomez-Gonzalez and Fernandez Lopez, 2023). The losses of laurel forest and related species has been monitored, and the trends seem negative both around and inside the Park (IUCN Consultation, 2020).

This issue has also been raised by the State Party in the latest Periodic Reporting Cycle 3 in 2024 (State Party of Spain, 2024).

Potential Threats

Very High Threat

The combination of increased vulnerability, expected climate change and relatively slow recovery rates could potentially have profound impacts on the conservation values as defined today. Part of the laurel forests of the site is already showing evidence of decline, which may be related to several natural factors, including climate change.

Fire & Fire Management

(Increase in fire recurrence)

Very High Threat

Inside site

, Widespread(15-50%)

Outside site

Generally, the recurrence of fires has increased considerably due to human activity, affecting even forests where traditionally fire is uncommon. A recent study on forest degradation caused by reoccurring fires between 1960 and 2012 in the Garajonay National Park showed that structural complexity and composition in the burned areas have barely reached 40% and 35%, respectively, when compared with unburned areas. Different threats also multiply together to increase the magnitude of impacts and recovery time (such as changing climates, invasive species and fire). The ecosystem require a long recovery time to a pre-fire state, where the young forest structure has a wider climatic range throughout the day and may be more impacted by global warming and more prone to subsequent fire events (Bello‐Rodríguez et al., 2019).

Changes in Physical & Chemical Regimes, Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime

(Increased vulnerability to climate change)

Very High Threat

Inside site

, Throughout(>50%)

Outside site

The laurel forest creates its own, very particular microclimate, which differs sharply from the surroundings. Laurel forest habitat very much depends on particular climatic and orographic conditions. Reduced forest cover and degradation increases the vulnerability to floods and droughts. Major disturbance, such as the 2012 fire event, not only directly affects the forests but increases future vulnerability. Several climatic models on the Canary Islands (e.g. Sperling et al., 2004; and Martin et al., 2013) suggest changes in intensity and distribution of the 'monteverde' forest belt due to mainly changes in the cloud belt. Part of the laurel forests of the site is showing evidence of decline, which may be related to several natural factors, including climate change (Agresta, 2017). In some places forest deterioration has already been quite significant. All species requiring shade and humidity are receding in favor of more heliophilic species and invasive species (IUCN Consultation, 2020).

Protection and management

Assessing Protection and Management

Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes

Mostly Effective

Garajonay is one of the main tourist attractions on the island, and tourism is the main economic activity. Moreover, the Park produces most of the water and is an important source of jobs for conservation works. Despite sporadic disagreements, collaboration with local people in fire prevention and conservation has increased successfully in the last years, and local communities are increasingly involved in conservation through voluntary programs. In addition, Park managers have developed initiatives to increase involvement of local communities and business in conservation, e.g. the previous LIFE Garajonay Vive project (2016-2020). A full consultation process also took place for the revision of the management plan, including: a working group composed of local and regional government, scientific entities, local association and citizen groups, and business representatives, and an online public consultation on the government of the Canary Islands website (Gobierno de Canarias, 2021).

Legal framework

Highly Effective

There is a strong and longstanding legal protection framework, which culminated in the establishment of the national park in 1981. A major legal change occurred in 2010 when the exclusive management authority was transferred to the autonomous community of the Canary Islands (Comunidad Autónoma de Canarias), implementing legislation introduced in 2009 (Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente, 2014; UNEP/WCMC, 2011). In March 2022, under Decree 1120 67/2022, the authority and powers for the management and conservation of the property was delegated to the Cabildo de la Gomera (from the parliament of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands) for an initial period of 10 years (Boletin Oficial de Canarias).

Governance arrangements

Mostly Effective

The governance arrangements for this property are robust, including a clear delegation of authority to various bodies within local, regional and national jurisdictions. Information is available to management through monitoring efforts, research and visitor management to guide activities, alongside the involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders (e.g. through the management plan revision process, and other activities).

Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)

Mostly Effective

As a substantial portion of the island (exceeding 10 % of the terrestrial surface), Garajonay National Park should be fully considered in the overall planning of the island as an indispensable water provider, source of identity and a major touristic resource. The establishment of the La Gomera Biosphere Reserve in 2012 could have had a positive effect, but no significant results have been identified yet. The Sustainable Tourism Charter of La Gomera island, adopted in 2015, fully integrates the National Park assets and limitations in its Strategic Plan of Sustainable Tourism 2018-22. With authority delegated to La Gomera Island Council with the regional Canary Islands government maintaining oversight of some key areas, integration is likely to increase between the various bodies.

Boundaries

Serious Concern

Since the establishment of the National Park there has been debates on the need to increase its area. The benefits that the site would receive from expanding its area and its buffer zone are significant (UNEP/WCMC, 2011; IUCN, 1986; World Heritage Committee, 1986). The proposed expansion of the National Park towards Majona, Dehesa del Manco, Teselinde, etc. would allow the inclusion of areas of great ecological, geological and landscape value, with several types of laurisilva not represented in the site plus several outstanding natural monuments (Fernández, 2019). Moreover, the proposed expansion would result in a total area of 5,490 ha, which would be in compliance with the minimum area for an island national park according to the Spanish law (Ley 30/214 de Parques Nacionales, art. 6-c). There have been active and ongoing discussions in relation to the extension, including public support from the Director of the National Park authority and President of the La Gomera Island Council for expansion to peripheral and sensitive areas (Carbildo Insular de La Gomera,2024). As of late 2024, the relevant documentation for the proposed expansion of Garajonay National Park was being produced (Order n.70/2024) for the attention of the Ministry of Ecological Transition of the central Government of the Canary Islands.

Overlapping international designations

Mostly Effective

Garajonay National Park is part of La Gomera Biosphere Reserve (designated in 2012). The World Heritage site manager occasionally communicates with the focal point(s) of the Biosphere Reserve (State Party of Spain, 2024). The Sustainable Tourism Charter of La Gomera island, adopted in 2015, fully integrates the National Park assets and limitations in its Strategic Plan of Sustainable Tourism 2018-22. With authority delegated to La Gomera Island Council with the regional Canary Islands government maintaining oversight of some key areas, integration is likely to increase between the various bodies.

Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations

Some Concern

The inscription decision encouraged "initiatives to extend the boundaries of the park" (World Heritage Committee, 1986), drawing upon the IUCN evaluation (IUCN, 1986). The suggestion has repeatedly been taken up but difficulties exist due to private ownership prevalence in the areas affected (UNEP/WCMC, 2011; UNESCO, 2006), which is a matter of concern given the type and severity of existing threats. There have been active and ongoing discussions in relation to the extension, including public support from the Director of the National Park authority and President of the La Gomera Island Council for expansion to peripheral and sensitive areas (Carbildo Insular de La Gomera, 2024). As of late 2024, the relevant documentation for the proposed expansion of Garajonay National Park was being produced (Order n.70/2024) for the attention of the Ministry of Ecological Transition of the central Government of the Canary Islands.

Climate action

Mostly Effective

The management authority recognises the significant vulnerability of the property to climate change. Within the management plan, a complementary meteorological monitoring plan is enclosed which has enabled the study of rainfall and changing climate on vegetation cover and plant communities through a network of stations (Gobierno de Canarias, 2021).

Management plan and overall management system

Mostly Effective

In 1986 the Real Decreto 1531/1986 approved the Master Plan for Use and Management of the Garajonay National Park. Since then the Garajonay National Park started the preparation of a new Master Plan in two occasions, in 2004 and in 2012. The work of evaluating the results achieved, meeting Plan objectives, analysing real threats and potential, etc., which was done in two occasions, as well as the elaboration of various sectorial plans has allowed Park managers to establish during these 30 years management guidelines adapting to the particular circumstances of their time (Parque Nacional de Garajonay, 2017). Following a public consultation, the revised management plan was formally adopted by the Parliament of the Canary Islands and is now updated and in-date as of 2021 (Gobierno de Canarias, 2021). In recent years Park managers have increased the number of informative offer for the local community, trying to achieve a cross-sectorial Park protection and management (LIFE Garajonay Vive, 2016).

Law enforcement

Mostly Effective

The number of infractions in the site is relatively low, in relation with other Spanish National Parks. The main problematic behaviours are parking issues, illegal camping, and biking or hiking in restricted areas. Law enforcement is adequate in general. The main weakness is related to the existing regional procedures for sanctioning, which are cumbersome and with low effectivity. Moreover, when the offenders are tourists from foreign countries, which is common, it becomes extremely difficult to fine them. It is currently unclear whether staff positions remain unfilled - but completely effective surveillance is unlikely with vacant positions (Association of Forestry and Environmental Agents of the Canary Islands, 2022). Around 200,000 euro in the 2022 Budget was directly linked to surveillance efforts (OAPN, 2022).

Sustainable finance

Mostly Effective

In 2022, the property maintained a generous annual budget of around 4 million euros (OPAN, 2022)- more recent information is unavailable. Up to 2019, the property has maintained an annual budget of between 2 and 2.7 million euros, which has allowed to fund the necessary actions of conservation management, monitoring and research, although additional finance would be of further assistance. Since devolution from the Spanish National Park Service in 2009, funding comes from the General Directorate of Nature Protection of the Canary Islands regional government, with small additions from grants (IUCN Consultation, 2020). Efforts to diversify the funding sources (including consideration of nominal fees for visitor centre usage or a small routine entry cost for tourists) is ongoing although not confirmed (PRUG, 2021).

Staff capacity, training and development

Mostly Effective

During recent years, the staff of the Park included: 6 technicians, 7 staff involved in surveillance, 2 administrative staff members, 26 in maintenance, 8 in public use, 45 devoted to wildfire prevention and action, and 23 in other functions (OAPN, 2022). Staffing has increased since pre-2020 and there is an adequate coordination and cooperation with other institutions in charge of land use in the surroundings and as regards monitoring of and responses to fire (UNEP/WCMC, 2011). However, there is a number of positions that remain vacant (Association of Forestry and Environmental Agents of the Canary Islands, 2022)

Education and interpretation programmes

Mostly Effective

There have been significant efforts to increase the awareness of local communities to the issues concerning the Park during the last years. However, there is a part of the local population that does not have a clear understanding of the nature and severity of the problems associated with wildfires. Negative attitudes or rejection towards the management of the Park and its Peripheral Zone are often caused by insufficient information. Hence, it is importnce to ensure coherent and coordinated communication with different actors (LIFE Garajonay Vive, 2016), which is partly done by means of the strategy developed by the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism of La Gomera, promoted by the National Park. The renovation of the major visitor centre will also play an important role in education and interpretation programming. A number of interpretive services are offered within the property as outlined in the management plan, and in line with the Master Plan of the Network of National Parks of Spain. This includes visitor centre facilities, viewing points and trails with interpretive media, audio guides, interpreter guides, and panels (Gobierno de Canaras, 2021).

Tourism and visitation management

Mostly Effective

In 2013, Garajonay National Park received over 800.000 visitors, and since then visitation has been increasing steadily, reaching over 1 million visitors in 2018 and 2019, and then falling sharply in 2020 due to COVID from which it has climbed to 700,000 in 2002 and likely fully recovered by now (Parque Nacional de Garajonay Memoria Anual, 2022). A strategy for sustainable tourism has been developed since the Park's creation, including a good network of trails; however, it has suffered from a progressive reduction in financing over the past years (IUCN Consultation, 2017). In 2014, the Park promoted the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism for the entire island, a concerted effort to foster the cooperation of public and private sectors towards sustainability, which was first adopted until 2017. This certification was renewed in 2024 for a further 5 years, following recognition of the progress made in trail maintenance, visitor information and interpretation and collaborative governance between stakeholders for the sustainable management of tourism on La Gomera. One million euros were also made available for the renovation of the 'Juego de Bolas' visitor centre for the property which was completed and reopened in July 2024.

Sustainable use

Mostly Effective

Nature-based tourism, if defined as sustainable use, is a major and increasingly important factor in the island economy with Garajonay National Park being a major resource (AIDER/Parques Nacionales, n.d.). In 2015 public and private stakeholders of La Gomera island adopted the European Charter of Sustainable Tourism and a strategic plan.

Monitoring

Mostly Effective

The IUCN evaluation and World Heritage Committee decision encouraged the consolidation of monitoring efforts within the property (IUCN, 1986; World Heritage Committee, 1986). Since the inscription monitoring efforts have been implemented, including remote sensing of the status of the site (LIFE Garajonay Vive, 2016). A specific monitoring section within the updated 2021 management plan exists which outlines the approach to monitoring both attributes of OUV and potential threats, including public use. Public use is monitored through visitor flow at various localities (including the visitor centre, certain trails, and viewpoints) using both manual and automatic counters, and through reporting from guides. The ecological monitoring programme of the property was initiated in 1992, and is structured around a Basic Vegetation Study Plan which characterises the ecology and functioning of the major plant communities, utilising the sampling of various plots across the area. Complementary monitoring plans exist for soil, hydrology, meteorology, lichens and bryophytes, vertebrates and invertebrates (butterfly) (Gobierno de Canarias, 2021), although all of the above appear to be monitored sporadically and many have not been monitored comprehensibly for some time.

Research

Highly Effective

Since the inscription important research has been carried out across a wide range of fields, including archaeology, ecology, hydrology, geology, biology (Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente, 2014). Applied research promoted by the Park has been devoted to the main threats, such as invasive species, and main impacts from the 2012 fires, e.g. Hernández-Hernández et al (2017), Yanes (2020), as well as public use, including visitor's management, sustainable transportation, etc. The management plan outlines the number of requests for annual research permits to the management authority (and average around 10 permits between 2000 and 2020). The most research has taken place on terrestrial invertebrates, followed by vascular flora, geology, avian fauna and bryophytes (Gobierno de Canaras, 2021)

Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site

Mostly Effective

The primary threats stemming from outside of the site relate to changing climates and potential wildfires. The recent history of Garajonay National Park is a telling example of situations where site management is adequate, well funded and supported by committed staff, but still fails to prevent and adequately respond to catastrophic events. The response to the extensive fires of 2012 was beyond the scope of park management and possible future events of similar nature are unlikely to differ in this regard, stressing the need for risk preparedness across institutions at the level of the entire island of La Gomera. The conflict around forest fires is being tackled from several fronts, (1) by means of environmental education of the population and visitors, (2) by means of prevention through the selective management of vegetation at strategic points (avoiding accumulation of combustible materials) and (3) with a robust and standby firefighting service. Wildfire related activities take up around 25% of the property’s annual budget (appr. 1 million Euros) and this includes a large number of seasonal firefighting staff and significant material resources, including the recent upgrading of 2 fire-fighting trucks in 2024 (Autonomous Agency of National Parks, 2022).

Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site

Mostly Effective

Vegetation and ecosystems have continued to be in recovery, since the massive wildfire of 2012 (which burned over 3000 ha, partly inside and mostly outside the site, affecting adjacent protected areas), and efforts have been made to improve control and management of the park. Different programs are now set in place to prevent wildfires involving coordination and cooperation across sectors and land-use designations on the entire island. The efforts within the Park had been based on several studies and reports included in the references, e.g. SEO Birdlife (2016). The updated 2021 management plan also outlines activities undertaken to address threats inside the site, including invasive alien species (for which there is a specific budget and contract staff to combat).

Overall assessment of protection and management

Good practice examples

(i) Recovery of a high number of endangered or threatened flora species.
(ii) Control actions of invasive flora species.
(iii) Ecological monitoring program applicable to management, e. g. burned forest areas, control on invasive species and recovery of threatened and endangered species.

State and trend of values

Assessing the current state and trend of values

Exceptional remnants of a rare and exceptionally beautiful forest type

High Concern

Trend

Improving

The current state of the values and the trends are good, except for the area affected by biological decline, ca. 500 ha. according to Agresta (2017) and the area impacted by the 2012 fires (18,7% of the site). Numerous restoration activities had been carried out, which have been partially successful with good prospects. However, the recovery process is ongoing, and several studies have shown that recovery has been slower than expected due to the multiplying effects of drought and other climatic changes. In general, there is still a need to promote forest restoration in some areas (Yanes, 2020) and especially to minimize the risk and impacts of future fires (State Party of Spain, 2024), not only within but also around the Park and in the rest of the island.

Vegetation cover degradation appears to remain a significant issue within the property. Whilst 'healthy vegetation' covers the largest proportion, a large amount of 'unhealthy vegetation' remains present sporadically in the property (Dionisio Rodriquez-Esparragon et al., 2024).

Laurel forest with very high degree of floral and faunal endemism

Low Concern

Trend

Improving

There is no evidence of loss of endemic species from 2012 wildfires. However, the combination of past modification, fires, climate change and alien invasive species was responsible for an overall trend of degradation and increased vulnerability (UNEP/WCMC, 2011), which has, however, either been slowed down or reverted during the last years of sound management.

Summary of values

Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values

High Concern

Improving

Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values

Good

Stable

The geological formations appear to be intact and in good condition, with a number of research permits being granted for geological research by the management authority in the last 20 years. The whistling language also maintains a stable usage among local communities.

Additional information

Benefits

Understanding benefits

Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)

The laurisilva intercepts water in the form of mist and rainfall and creates its own microclimate. The cloud forest enables the water recharge of acquirers, springs and creeks of vital importance for the entire island of La Gomera. This major environmental service that has long been recognized and is an important basis for the longstanding conservation efforts.

Soil stabilisation

The rugged terrain is prone to erosion and floods, in particular during the episodic events of heavy precipitation.

Importance for research

As a rare relic forest Garajonay permits unique insights into a fascinating ecosystem shaped by its island location. Garajonay National Park is of major scientific importance, including but not limited to research on the evolution of endemism in island ecosystems and the ecology of a rare relic forest ecosystem and paleoecology (UNEP/WCMC, 2011, IUCN, 1986, State Party, 1986).

History and tradition

Certain areas within the World Heritage site continue to be used for traditional pilgrimages (UNEP-WCMC, 2011).

Summary of benefits

The site has a fundamental role in the climate of the island and water provision of the island, both in terms of quantity and quality. The island's economy is largely dependent on tourism and the property is an increasingly key resource in this regard. The scientific importance of the site is noteworthy given that it is the main remnant of a rare forest type. Last but not least, the site protects areas that continue to attract locally highly important pilgrimages.

Projects

Compilation of active conservation projects

№	Organization	Brief description of Active Projects	Website
1	LIFE Project "Garajonay vive"	An integrative project that seeks to address fire hazards to prevent future ecological catastrophes, to evaluate the environmental damage of the fire, and to test and apply ecological restoration techniques adapted to the particular conditions of the Garajonay National Park and its surroundings

References

№	References
1	AIDER (Asociación Insular de Desarrollo Rural La Gomera)/Parques Nacionales. N d. Carta Europea de Turismo Sostenible en la Gomera. Parque Nacional de Garajonay. Volumen I: Diagnóstico. See also www.turismososteniblelagomera.com
2	Agresta Coop. (2017) Evaluación de la vitalidad de los bosques de laurisilva en el Parque Nacional de Garajonay. 41 pages. Unpublished report.
3	Autonomous Agency of National Parks (2022). Memories of the National Parks Network [online] Available at: https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/parques-nacionales-oapn/red-pa… [Accessed 18 June 2025]
4	Bello‐Rodríguez, V., Gómez, L.A., Fernández López, Á., Del‐Arco‐Aguilar, M.J., Hernández‐Hernández, R., Emerson, B. and González‐Mancebo, J.M. (2019). Short‐and long‐term effects of fire in subtropical cloud forests on an oceanic island. Land Degradation & Development, 30(4), pp.448-458.
5	Cabildo Insular de La Gomera (2017). https://www.lagomera.es/comienza-pavimentado-la-gm-2/ Accessed on October 4th 2017.
6	Cabildo Insular de La Gomera (2025). Curbelo: Garajonay requiere más atención en gestión y la máxima protección. [online] Available at: https://www.lagomera.es/noticia/curbelo-garajonay-requiere-… [Accessed 18 June 2025].
7	Del Pino, J.N., Arbelo Rodriguez, C.D., Rodriguez Rodriguez, A., Fernandez Lopez A. and Gomez Gonzalez, L.A. (2015). Burned soils at La Gomera wildfire: a preliminary GIS analysis. FLAMMA, 6 (2), 95-97, 2015.
8	Fernández, A.B & Moreno, J.M. (2004) Parque Nacional de Garajonay. La selva de Canarias. Turquesa Ediciones, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 247 pp.
9	Fernández, A.B. (2019) Informe preliminar de propuesta de ampliación del Parque Nacional de Garajonay. Unpublished report of Parque Nacional de Garajonay.
10	García-Santos, G., Bruijnzeel, L.A.. 2011. Water inputs dynamics in a subtropical ridge top cloud forest, National Park of Garajonay (La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain). Hydrological Processes 25 (03), 411-417
11	Gobierno de Canarias (2022). Boletín Oficial de Canarias No. 67, Anuncio de la Dirección General de Lucha contra el Cambio Climático y Medio Ambiente. [online] Canary Islands, Spain, pp.1. Available at: https://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/boc/2022/067/014.html [Accessed 18 June 2025].
12	Gobierno de España. Ley 30/2014, de 3 de diciembre, de Parques Nacionales. BOE-A-2014-12588.
13	Gonzalez-Mancebo, J.-M., Losada-Lima, A., Patino-Llorente, J. 2004. Forest floor bryophytes of Laurel Forest in La Gomera (Canary islands): life strategies and influence of tree species. Linbergia 29. 5- 16. Lund.
14	Gómez-González, L. A., and Fernández-López, Á. B. (2023). Net precipitation in a Canarian fog laurel forest: Results from a thirty-year monitoring period. Presented at the FOGDEW2023 Conference, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
15	Hernández-Hernández, R., Castro, J., Del Arco Aguilar, M. Fernández-López, A.B., González-Mancebo, J.M. (2017) Post-Fire Salvage Logging Imposes a New Disturbance that Retards Succession: The Case of Bryophyte Communities in a Macaronesian Laurel Forest. Forests 2017, 8 (7), 252
16	IUCN (2017). World Heritage Consultation Form: Garajonay National Park.
17	IUCN. 1986. World Heritage Nominations. Evaluation of Garajonay National Park, Spain. Gland, Switzerland.
18	Intergovernmental Committee (2009). Decision 4.COM 13.71. Whistled language of the island of La Gomera (Canary Islands),the Silbo Gomero. In: Report by the Rapporteur on the meetings of the Subsidiary Body for the examination of nominations to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity [online] Paris, France: UNESCO. Available at: https://ich.unesco.org/en/decisions/4.COM/13.71 [accessed 18 June 2025].
19	Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente. 2014. Red de Parques Nacionales. Garajonay. www.magrama.gob.es/es/red-parques-nacionales/nuestros-parqu…. Accessed 19 January 2014.
20	Parada-Diaz, J., Cubas, J., Arco Aguilar, M., Fernandez-Lopez, A., and Gonzalez-Mancebo, J.M. (2022). Changing the landscape: Short-term disruption of recruitment, height growth and flowering of endemic plants on macaronesian heathlands by invasive alien rabbits. Biological Conservation (272).
21	Parque Nacional de Garajonay (2016). Plan de restauración de las zonas quemadas en el gran incendio de 2012 de Garajonay (ZEC ES0000044). 192 pp.
22	Parque Nacional de Garajonay. Memorias Anuales 2016, 2017 y 2018.
23	Plan Rector de Uso y Gestión del Parque Nacional de Garajonay (2021). Garajonay National Park Management Plan .[online] Canary Islands, Spain, pp.1-419. Available at: https://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/cmsgobcan/export/sites/p… [Accessed 18 June 2025].
24	Proyecto LIFE+ Garajonay Vive. Resumen de las actuaciones realizadas: noviembre 2014 – noviembre 2016 (2016). (LIFE13 NAT/ES/000240)
25	Rodríguez-Esparragón, D., Marcello, J., Eugenio, F., and Gamba, P. (2024). Index-based forest degradation mapping using high and medium resolution multispectral sensors, International Journal of Digital Earth, 17:1.
26	SEO Birdlife (2016) Seguimiento de la evolución de las comunidades orníticas del Parque Nacional de Garajonay, con especial atención a las zonas quemadas en el gran incendio de 2012 y su incidencia en los procesos de regeneración. Memoria final. 113 pages. Unpublished report.
27	State Party of Spain (2024). Periodic Report Third Cycle, Section II: Garajonay National Park [online] Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre, p.1-34. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/216644 [Accessed 18 June 2025].
28	State Party. 1986. World Heritage Nomination of Garajonay National Park, Spain.
29	UNEP/WCMC, 2011. Garajonay National Park. World Heritage Information Sheet. Update of site sheet created 1986 and previously updated 1990, 1995, 2007. Cambridge, UK.
30	UNESCO. 2006. State of Conservation of World Heritage Properties in Europe. Garajonay National Park, Spain. Periodic Reporting, Section II.
31	World Heritage Committee, 1986. 10COM VIII - Inscription: Garajonay National Park (Spain).
32	Yanes González, B. (2020) Seguimiento 2018-2019 de las zonas quemadas en el gran incendio de 2012 de Garajonay. Tragsatec, 30 pages.
33	del Arco, M.J., Wildpret, W., Pérez de Paz, P.L., Rodríguez, O., Acebes, J.R., García, A. et al. (2006) Mapa de la vegetación de Canarias. GRAFCAN, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Indigenous Heritage values

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