This council, approved by the Board of Trustees of the Canary Islands Biosphere Reserve Foundation, responds to UNESCO's commitment to promoting youth involvement in biosphere reserves. La Palma was the first Spanish island to receive this international recognition.
The declaration of La Palma as a Biosphere Reserve began in 1983 with the inclusion of La Finca El Canal and Los Tiles, covering 511 hectares of Tertiary forest. In 1998, the territory was expanded to include the island's northeast arc, totaling 13,931 hectares. Finally, on November 6, 2002, the entire island territory was declared a World Biosphere Reserve, also incorporating two Special Marine Conservation Zones (ZEC).
The council's regulations were approved on April 28, establishing it as a participatory body that will channel the voices of young people, promote their involvement in sustainable development, and contribute to the formulation of proposals with a social, economic, and environmental perspective. It will be composed of young people aged between 18 and 35 from the island and will have a representative on the Foundation's Board of Trustees, thus facilitating direct dialogue with governance bodies.
“"We are opening a direct channel for the youth of La Palma to participate in decisions that affect the future of the Island."
The Youth Network will be organized under a horizontal model and will receive technical support from the Foundation, ensuring its operation under principles of transparency, co-responsibility, and collective learning. This initiative aligns with the policy of the Cabildo de La Palma's government team to actively listen to and involve the island's younger population in public administration.
