Second Meeting on Risco Caído and the sacred mountain landscapes of Gran Canaria

As part of the initiatives carried out by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) for conserving, researching and valuing Risco Caído, a unique finding of the aboriginal heritage of Gran Canaria, this second meeting presented new discoveries, reflections to promote this sacred mountain landscape, exploring the possibilities for international recognition and, if appropriate, to prepare a nomination for World Heritage Site.

The workshop had a remarkable participation. In the last session the conclusions were presented, among which the desirability of adopting an approach of “Mixed” / “Cultural Landscape” in preparing the application for World Heritage Site, stressing that these sacred landscapes were shaped by an extinct culture from North Africa, matriarchal, which evolved independently for two millennia, reaching an important cultural and spiritual development and a successful self-regulation in an isolated natural environment of great diversity and fragility, with a majority of endemic species.

Several speakers reiterated that preparing an application for the declaration of Natural Heritage Site should encourage a commitment of cooperation from key stakeholders of the island, both public and private, and the promotion of research and comparative analysis to prove if applicable, the universal value of some unique elements of the ancient Canarian culture.  The appropriateness of using this opportunity to promote a real, lasting sustainable development, starting with the Biosphere Reserve of Gran Canaria, based on the wisdom of the indigenous civilization of the island, considering that all heritage is a gift to be handed down to future generations, that challenges us to think and act on those principles and values that give full meaning to our lives.

More information: Bentayga: Un calendario de roca en el corazón de Gran Canaria