“Canary Islands, a Volcanic Window into the Atlantic”: an INVOLCAN's Commitment to Public Awareness of Volcanic Risk in Tenerife

The educational program “Canary Islands: A Volcanic Window in the Atlantic” represents a cornerstone of INVOLCAN’s long-term commitment to strengthening public safety and societal resilience through geo-education. Launched in 2008, the initiative emerged from the need to institutionalize a culture of prevention among the population of the Canary Islands. By providing continuous and structured information on volcanic hazards, risk mitigation strategies, and the socio-environmental benefits of inhabiting a volcanic territory, the program aims to improve public understanding of volcanic risk and enhance community response capacities. 

Sustained outreach activities are essential for fostering a “volcano-ready” society. This educational approach supports a shift from a predominantly reactive posture— particularly vulnerable to the uncertainties associated with eruptive crises —towards a proactive, informed, and prepared community. Recent global and regional crises have further underscored the societal value of prevention-oriented education. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted worldwide vulnerabilities in risk perception and crisis preparedness, while the eruptions of Tagoro (El Hierro, 2011) and Tajogaite (La Palma, 2021) profoundly reshaped public awareness of volcanic risk in the Canary Islands. 

In the specific context of Tenerife, this commitment is aligned with the Canarian Regional Volcanic Risk Management Plan (PEVOLCA) and the island-specific PAIV guidelines, which require civil protection administrations to implement and sustain annual public education programs. With nearly one million permanent residents and a substantial transient population associated with year-round tourism, Tenerife presents a complex demographic context that amplifies volcanic risk exposure.  This reality reinforces the need for sustained public education as a core component of effective risk reduction and civil protection strategies. 

INVOLCAN has led the development of educational sessions designed to translate complex geoscientific processes into accessible knowledge tailored for a broad and diverse audience. The program’s impact in Tenerife is reflected in a cumulative participation of around 15,000 individuals since its inception. This sustained level of engagement highlights the central role of education as a strategic instrument for long-term volcanic risk reduction. Ultimately, the program illustrates that broadening access to scientific knowledge is a key factor in building resilient communities that can safely coexist with the volcanic hazards inherent to the Atlantic archipelago.