Exploring how political and public decision-makers could contribute to reducing volcanic risk in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are the only region in Spain exposed to volcanic risk. From 6 to 8 June 2025, the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (INVOLCAN) organized one of the ten workshops of the Canary Strategy for Volcanic Risk Reduction project. This one, specifically designed for public and political representatives, focused on examining the role of political leadership in strengthening volcanic risk governance in the Canaries.

A total of 19 representatives from six of the seven major islands (El Hierro, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Gomera, La Palma, and Tenerife), belonging to ten political groups and holding responsibilities in various public administrations -  including the Parliament of the Canary Islands, the Autonomous Government, Island Councils (Cabildos), and municipal governments - participated in this workshop.

Participants undertook an analytical exercise to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) related to volcanic risk management in the public and political sphere. They examined structural challenges, institutional capacities, and contextual factors shaping the effectiveness of volcanic risk governance. This process led to the formulation of strategic actions aimed at reinforcing a culture of prevention and improving the Canary Islands’ resilience from a policy and decision‑making perspective.

The internal analysis revealed key weaknesses associated with governance dynamics and institutional practices. Participants noted that political decision making often prioritizes short‑term decisions over long‑term preventive planning, limiting consistent investment in risk reduction. Additional weaknesses included the underuse of scientific and technical capacities, insufficient coordination across public administrations, and persistent challenges in translating scientific information into clear and actionable public communication. Major gaps identified included the absence or incomplete implementation of Insular Volcanic Action Plans (PAIVs) and the lack of a specific legislative framework for volcanic risk reduction and post‑eruption recovery. Other concerns involved deficiencies in territorial planning, low volcanic‑risk perception among decision‑makers, insufficient investment in scientific research, and the use of imprecise demographic data in risk assessments. The discussion highlighted that many critical barriers are rooted in political priorities and governance structures rather than scientific limitations.

Strengths identified during the workshop included the demonstrated capacity for institutional coordination and consensus during recent eruptions in El Hierro and La Palma, which increased awareness among decision‑makers. Participants also emphasized the value of regulatory and planning tools such as PEVOLCA and PAIVs, as well as the essential role of INVOLCAN in providing scientific and technical support for political decision making.

The external analysis identified several threats, including low societal perception of volcanic risk, misinformation and pseudoscientific narratives amplified through media and social networks, social distrust in risk management institutions, pressure from economic sectors, demographic pressure, and the archipelagic and ultra‑peripheral nature of the Canary Islands, which complicates emergency management. Opportunities included heightened awareness following recent eruptions, access to European funding, advances in science and technology, and the potential to consolidate a Canary Islands Strategy for Volcanic Risk Reduction grounded in scientific knowledge, citizen participation, and consensus.

The workshop’s outcomes underline the importance of political engagement and inter‑institutional coordination to advance a comprehensive volcanic risk reduction strategy for the Canary Islands.