The management of the national park is working to make compatible the conservation of the valuable nature of the park with the necessary economic activity of the locations of its environment and with the demands of public use of residents and visitors.

 The agricultural activity and the recovery of traditional crops

Inside the national park, there are samples of traditional crops on the edge of the lava flows, mainly on land covered with old lapilli from the latest eruptions, with a great capacity to absorb water. The wind protection is accomplished by constructing small stone walls around the crops, which are mainly of fig trees and fruit trees. The park allows the maintenance of these crops, although it is not authorized to increase in the arable land nor to change of type and form of cultivation.

 Fishing Uses

Both fishing and shellfishing have been used as a source of income by the resident population on the island for a long time. Using traditional methods doesn't harm the marine ecosystem and this is why the park allows its use.

 Public use and tourist activities

The system of public use must provide the visitor an adequate knowledge of the park, inducing a favourable attitude towards the conservation of the natural and cultural values and facilitating the enjoyment of the visitor. The activities of public use are developed in the concerned areas in the Master Plan for the Use and Management (PRUG), not allowing the development of new structures in the interior of the natural space if they are not regulated. People's access to the national park is kept free. The access to the Route of the Volcanoes is only allowed by bus. If you want to access with a private vehicle or in other conditions, it will be necessary to obtain the permission of the Board of the Park.

 Scientific Activities

All research projects must be authorized by the Board of the Park. For the approval of a project, it is required the submission of a report that has, at least, an explanation of the motives and the means to use, the area of operation and the staff that is going to be working and, moreover, the work plan to be developed. When the Board of the Park authorizes a project, the author will be obligated to submit a copy of the results and conclusions of the same, in addition to a copy of the publications which the project can lead to.

Environmental Volunteering

Participating in activities aimed at the protection of the environment in the national park is a rewarding and enriching experience. It must be developed in a controlled manner, in order to ensure the preservation of this natural heritage of incalculable value.

The National Parks Autonomous Agency develops a plan for raising awareness and volunteering, whose purpose is to contribute to the environmental awareness through the development of projects and activities in the Network of National Parks.

The National Parks Autonomous Agency convenes the granting of subsidies for volunteering projects within the following lines of action:

• Monitoring and evaluation of the network.
• Involvement of social partners and participation of the society.
• Improvement of the scientific knowledge.
• Complementary activities for the achievement of the objectives of each National Park and of the Network as a whole, including exceptional situations.

What documentation and requirements should I know?

• REGULATORY BASIS FOR PROJECTS WITHIN THE PLAN
• OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN OF VOLUNTEERING IN NATIONAL PARKS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERS
• TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

Link to the website of the Ministry.

Who can participate?

Organizations of social initiative, legally constituted, endowed with legal personality, non-profitable and dedicated to conducting activities aimed at the protection of the environment.

What types of volunteering resources are there in the Canary Islands?

The Web Portal of the map of volunteering resources of the Canary Islands collects information about the volunteering entities and vacancies, the legislation, about how to accredit the entity, campaigns and other initiatives.

Link to the page of the Volunteering Programme of the Canary Islands' Government.