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From ash to harvest: Lanzarote’s journey of living heritage

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From ash to harvest: Lanzarote’s journey of living heritage

On the arid island of Lanzarote, where black volcanic fields evoke a lunar landscape, farmers have developed a striking agricultural system. Using volcanic lapilli (enarenado) and sea sand (jable) to capture moisture and protect the soil, they grow grapes, sweet potatoes, and legumes. This approach sustains biodiversity, livelihoods and cultural heritage in one of Europe’s driest regions, largely without irrigation.

Language English

Country Spain

Duration 2m49s

Edit Version Full Mix

Video Type Field Story

Date 05/21/2025

File size 970.49 MB

Unique ID UF1A1FN

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Script this is not the moon This is Lanzarote in Spain And here people grow the impossible In one of the driest places in Europe where it rains less than 150mm a year the people of this island have developed a special way of farming This system is the first European island recognized by FAO as globally important agricultural heritage system And this is the system number six in Spain Let me explain more It all started after six years of volcanic eruptions in the 18th century These eruptions changed the island forever To cultivate and survive in this extreme climatic conditions they had to master graph volcanic ash that covered the land They began to use it in a smart way to cover the soil keep the moisture help control the temperature allowing the life witting to flourish
This black layer where vines potatoes and onions grow create a special landscape Green over black life over fire In La Heria the vines grow in holes protected from the wind by stone walls
From here comes Malbasia Volcanica
wine with a soul of ash and resilience
Farmers also grow cereals fruits beans and local crops such as lentils potatoes sweet potatoes onions mace and much more

They use water carefully and take only what the land can give It keeps biodiversity alive support families and shares knowledge pass from generation to generation This is a system based on sustainable
farming In a world facing a climate
crisis Lanzarote gives real answers

A true example of tradition innovation and adaptation with lessons for the future of farming in dry

It is living heritage It is resilience
It is an inspiration

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FAO Video 2023 / 2024 / 2025

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Spain

2025_GIAHS_Lanzarote_Edits

From ash to harvest: Lanzarote’s journey of living heritage

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