Under UNESCO’s protection – La Graciosa in the Biosphere Reserve
Since 1993 Lanzarote has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – und La Graciosa lies right at its heart. What this means: international recognition for a region that unites nature and people in a functioning balance. What it means for travellers: you are exploring one of the best-protected natural areas in the world.
What a biosphere reserve is
Not just nature conservation
Ein UNESCO Biosphere Reserve It is not a national park. It is a model area where nature conservation and human use coexist. Three zones: core zone (strictly protected), buffer zone, transition zone. People live and work there – but within a framework of clear rules.
| UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Lanzarote | |
|---|---|
| Designation | Lanzarote UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993 |
| Total area | Lanzarote, including coastal waters and the Chinijo Archipelago |
| Purpose of protection | Conservation of biodiversity, sustainable development, research |
| Core zone | Chinijo Archipelago Nature Park – strictly protected |
| Distinctive feature | The only biosphere reserve to encompass an entire island |
La Graciosa at its heart
La Graciosa and the entire Chinijo Archipelago form the heart of the biosphere reserve. Nature conservation is at its strictest here: no tarmac, no unauthorised parking, no wild camping, no campfires.
The impact of the protected status
The underwater world as proof
The Reserva Marina del Chinijo Archipelago covering 70,000 ha is not an abstract concept – it is visible. The 228 species of fish, the sea turtles, the angel sharks in winter: these are the tangible results of decades of conservation.
What this means for visitors
Wer La Graciosa Anyone visiting is a guest in a protected area. This means: knowing and following the rules. Staying on the paths. Leaving shells and stones on the beach. Using mineral sun cream. No drones without permission. This may sound restrictive – but it is the price we pay for a natural world that still exists.
Nature conservation
- Wild camping prohibited
- Campfires prohibited
- Chinijo Archipelago Nature Park · Lanzarote UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve (70,000 ha)
The Chinijo Archipelago Nature Park is a Spanish protected area. The UNESCO Lanzarote Biosphere Reserve is an international designation – broader in scope but with fewer binding rules.
Wild camping, campfires, off-road driving with motor vehicles, taking shells and stones, and flying drones without a permit.
Conclusion
- La Graciosa lies at the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – this isn’t just marketing, it’s reality.
- A 70,000-hectare marine protected area, 228 species of fish, strict conservation rules: the results are plain to see.
- As a visitor: know the rules and follow them – that is the respect this island deserves.
This article is based on on-site research by the go-la-graciosa.com editorial team. Last updated: April 2026
