Anaga Palaeopark, a heritage proposal

CAROLINA CASTILLO RUIZ; SULEYMA PÉREZ-PÉRE; PENÉLOPE CRUZADO CABALLERO

Oxford

Congreso; 64th Palaeontological Association A nnual Meeting; 2020

The Palaeontological Association

The PaleoParks conservation initiative proposed in 1996 by the InternationalPalaeontological Association (IPA) has been successfully used in different parts of the world,including oceanic volcanic islands. The aim has been to conserve palaeontological sites insitu as tangible evidence of different palaeobiological and geological processes. We presentthe work accomplished in the Canary Islands for the application for PaleoPark status forthe Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve. This is located in the north of Tenerife in the mid-Atlantic Canary archipelago, which is of volcanic origin and dates to 11.9 Ma. Due to thegeographic location of this archipelago, the islands have been sensitive to climate variationsthrough the Quaternary, as recorded in marine and terrestrial sites with rich fossil records.Taking as references other international PaleoParks, we analyse the legislative frameworkfor the current situation of the Anaga palaeontological sites, the evaluation criteria,and a methodological plan to establish the PaleoPark. The objective is palaeobiologicalconservation in situ, its application to the maintenance of ecosystems and biodiversity in asmall area, and the promotion of educational interests and tourism. Anaga PaleoPark is apioneering proposal for the maintenance of the palaeontology of the Canaries.