Two Biosphere Reserves unite schools to promote sustainability

Students from Somiedo (Asturias) and La Gomera (Canarias) begin an educational exchange project focused on cultural and natural heritage.

Split image showing the volcanic landscape of La Gomera and the mountainous landscape of Somiedo, connected by an educational element.
IA

Split image showing the volcanic landscape of La Gomera and the mountainous landscape of Somiedo, connected by an educational element.

Two schools, one in the Somiedo Biosphere Reserve (Asturias) and another in La Gomera (Canarias), have launched a virtual collaboration to foster mutual understanding of sustainability and cultural heritage.

The Álvaro Flórez Estrada Public School in Pola de Somiedo and the Mario Lhermet Vallier Secondary School in Hermigua have initiated an educational project connecting these two school communities, located in areas recognized for their high environmental and heritage value.
Last Tuesday, May 26, 2026, a virtual meeting took place, serving as the initial contact between students and teachers. During the session, representatives from Somiedo presented the characteristics of their Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its flora, fauna, geology, and ethnographic heritage linked to traditional mountain life.
In turn, the 4th-grade students from the school in La Gomera showcased the rich landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural traditions of their Reserve. A significant moment was the demonstration of the Silbo Gomero, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which captured the keen interest of the Asturian students.
Both educational communities highly valued the initiative, emphasizing its enriching nature for shared learning, respect for cultural diversity, and understanding of the natural environment from different geographical perspectives.
This first meeting marks the beginning of a joint work plan that will continue next school year, with objectives focused on sustainability, biodiversity conservation, tradition exchange, and the use of new technologies for communication and learning.