The Canary Islands government has introduced a comprehensive manual to guide municipalities in integrating native plant species into urban environments. This project aims to transform cities by creating more shaded and verdant spaces through the strategic use of local flora. The guide, developed over two years, provides technical data on species well-suited for urban settings, including dragon trees, junipers, Canary pines, and aceviños. It addresses practical landscaping challenges such as root damage to infrastructure and offers insights into shade canopy, water needs, and flowering characteristics of each species.
The initiative will also release two detailed catalogs of native vegetation suitable for urban areas. The first catalog, expected next month, will focus on areas from sea level up to 300 meters, with a second catalog for higher altitudes scheduled for next year. A digital platform will also be launched soon to ensure broad accessibility to this information. The use of native flora offers significant ecological advantages, including greater resilience to urban stressors like drought and pollution, reduced water and maintenance requirements, and a decreased need for chemical inputs, promoting sustainability and potential cost savings. Furthermore, native plants are essential for supporting local biodiversity by providing habitats and food for indigenous wildlife and pollinators.
Urban landscapes present unique challenges for plant life, such as compacted soils and limited space. The guide's emphasis on native species, many with robust root systems, offers a natural solution. These strong roots not only ensure stability but also improve soil quality, enhance stormwater infiltration, and mitigate erosion. By selecting these well-adapted species, urban planners can create more resilient green infrastructure that harmonizes with the built environment. This project underscores the Canary Islands government's commitment to ecological regeneration and the creation of aesthetically pleasing, ecologically sound urban spaces intrinsically linked to the islands' natural heritage.