Within the EU, the Macaronesian region consists of three archipelagos: the Azores, Madeira (both Portugal) and the Canaries (Spain). All are of volcanic origin. This is reflected everywhere in the landscape. Large calderas, jagged mountains and vertiginous cliffs contrast sharply with the wide valleys and sheltered bays. These contrasting landscapes, and the gentle climate, have created an ideal environment for a particularly rich array of species and habitats, many of which are endemic.

Despite representing only 0.3% of the EU territory, the Macaronesian region hosts no less than 19% of the habitat types in Annex I of the Habitats Directive and 28% of the plants Annex II. The surrounding seas are also abundant in wildlife. Many marine animals, from whales to seabirds, seek shelter and food in the deep inshore waters and nutrient rich upwellings from the sea floor.

Tourism is the most important economic activity for the Canaries. With over 11 million tourists, this sector continues to expand, mainly along the coast. Mixed and terraced farming is still practiced inland but it is rapidly disappearing as more and more people abandon their land in search of better income elsewhere. In its place come the tropical and forced crops destined for the export market. This accounts for 75% of today’s agricultural end production