Exposición ‘Pura Biodiversidad Canaria’ en El Museo Insular de La Palma

The exhibition showcases images taken by the students of the Master’s in Biodiversity in Tropical Areas and Conservation during their research in La Palma.

The Insular Museum of La Palma hosts the exhibition «Pure Canarian Biodiversity,» organized by the Insular Council along with the Master’s in Biodiversity in Tropical Areas and Conservation of the CSIC and the Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP), which features images taken by the students during their research in La Palma.

The Minister of Environment, Susa Armas, emphasized the importance of La Palma continuing to be the chosen setting for the Menéndez Pelayo International University and the Superior Council of Scientific Research UIMP-CSIC for students of this master’s program to carry out their fieldwork for the application of techniques in a tropical biosphere reserve.

This exhibition also has a dual purpose. On the one hand, to highlight and protect the incredible natural wealth of the Islands and, on the other hand, to promote a unique master’s program in the world, focused on the study and conservation of biodiversity in tropical areas such as the Biosphere Reserve of La Palma with the support of the Insular Council of La Palma.

Representatives of the program also emphasize that «Pure Canarian Biodiversity» also aims to pay tribute to the work of the master’s students. Through their seminars, practices, and their perspective through the camera lens, they help us better understand the biodiversity of the archipelago and encourage us to value and conserve it.

La Palma, setting for the fieldwork of a unique master’s program

The master’s program arrives in La Palma for the sixth consecutive year, not only because of the excellence of the island’s biodiversity but also because of the facilities and hospitality offered by the Council, which has allowed more than 200 master’s students to develop their projects on biodiversity and conservation in tropical areas. These works contribute to promoting conservation, sustainability, and circular economy, highlighting the need to support scientific research tasks like those carried out by the students of this master’s program.

Last year, the activities of the master’s program allowed for the recording of over 1,500 records of Canarian flora and fauna species, as well as studying their role in the ecosystem. Studies on pollinators, insect-eaters, microorganisms, organic agriculture, or specific works such as the design of sports activities focused on the knowledge and appreciation of the biodiversity of the laurel forest in La Galga, the analysis of the impact of the arrival of sargassum to the Canary Islands as a consequence of the change in currents due to global warming.

The director and professors of the master’s program have thanked and highlighted the support from the University and the Superior Council of Scientific Research CSIC, the City Council of Puntallana, and the Insular Council of La Palma, which allows for the training of future researchers and Biodiversity managers in a privileged area such as the island of La Palma, a Biosphere Reserve.