Today, we’re spotlighting El Hierro, one of BiodivEarth pilot sites to share how this small Canary Island offers a powerful example of community-led management of natural resources, where local artisanal fishers act as custodians of biodiversity while sustaining their livelihoods.

With its volcanic marine landscape, narrow continental shelf, and oligotrophic waters, El Hierro hosts fragile yet remarkably rich ecosystems. What makes this island truly special is a management model rooted in tradition and strengthened by modern governance. Since 1978, forty small-scale artisanal fishers, organized through the “Cofradía de Pescadores Nuestra Señora De Los Reyes”, have collectively managed marine resources by collaborating with scientists, eliminating high-impact gear, increasing minimum catch sizes, establishing voluntary closures, and supporting the Punta de La Restinga-Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve. This long-standing socioecological system integrates traditional knowledge with science, conserving marine biodiversity while preserving cultural identity and economic stability.

This is why El Hierro will host BiodivEarth’s upcoming 3-day Community of Practice workshop in February, organised with the Cofradía. We’ll bring together practitioners from our pilot sites from Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, alongside researchers and conservation initiatives to exchange experiences and explore:

• Resilient management of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, with a particular focus on best practices in local governance and the commercialization of local products,
• Lessons learned from El Hierro’s community-led model,
• Development of BiodivEarth’s research component to understand keys of resilience from pilot sites.

This workshop will also offer a unique opportunity to learn directly from El Hierro’s fishers and partners. We’re excited about the upcoming event and the opportunity to learn, connect, and advance community-driven solutions together!