Ethos Paper – El Hierro

A dedicated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve the small Canary island of El Hierro has incredible biological diversity and huge variations in climate and topography. Until Columbus sailed the Atlantic in 1492, El Hierro was officially thought of as the end of the World and whilst it remains remote, this dramatic place has become a globally renowned as an example of sustainable development. In 2014, it was the first island to be renewable energy self-sufficient and it continues to pioneer sustainable initiatives such as electric cars, solar technology, biofuels and organic farming. Environmental scientists, energy firms, politicians and PHD students continue to visit from as far as Indonesia and Tonga to discover more about the islands approach to environmental protection and renewables.

The Gorona del Viento Wind Hydro power station. On rare windless days, the Gorona del Viento Hydro power station located below the artifical 150 000 m3 basin water basin ensures a continuous supply of power.

Until recently every one of El Hierro’s 10,000 residents were dependant on imported fuel for their energy needs.

Now the El Hierro government aims to connect all energy elements to the Gorena del Viento power plant starting with 7 electric car recharging points.

The community of El Hierro aims to produce all local food 100% organically by 2020 by using biodigesters to transform waste into nutrient inputs.

El Hierro is a pioneering example of sustainability, continuing to approach development in harmony with natural ecosystems.