334 ISLAND REMEDIES: THE CONSERVATION OF ISLAND ECOSYSTEMS
Table 12.2Designations within the Canarian Protected Areas system (sources: Martín-Esquivelet al. 1995;
Fernández-Palacios et al. 2004a).
Name Characteristics No.
National Park Large areas relatively untransformed by human activity, with high 4
(Spanish and Canarian networks) importance due to the singularity of their biota, geology or
geomorphology and representing the main natural Spanish ecosystems
Natural Park Large areas with similar characteristics as the National Parks, being 12
(Canarian network) representatives of the Canarian natural heritage
Rural Park Large areas where agricultural and livestock activities coexist with 7
(Canarian network) zones of a great natural and ecological interest
Integral Natural Reserve Small natural areas protecting populations, communities, 11
(Canarian network) ecosystems or geological elements deserving a special value for
their rareness or fragility. Only scientific activities allowed
Special Natural Reserve Similar to the former, but allowing educational and recreational 15
(Canarian network) activities together with scientific ones
Site of Scientific Interest Small isolated sites comprising populations of threatened species 21
(Canarian network)
Natural Monument Small areas characterized by unusual geological or palaeontological 52
(Canarian network) elements
Protected Landscape Areas with outstanding aesthetic or cultural values 27
(Canarian network)
Special Area of Conservation Areas which contribute in a valuable manner in maintaining or 174
(EU Natura 2000 network) restoring natural habitat types or species in a favourable
conservation status. The 151 terrestrial SACs largely overlap with
the Canarian network of protected areas, adding 300 km^2
more, but the 23 marine SACs contributed an additional
1765 km^2 of protected marine ecosystems
Special Protected Area Areas which contribute to preserve, maintain or restore the diversity 27
(EU Natura 2000 network) and extension of the proper habitats for the 44 Canarian
bird species included in the European directives
Biosphere Reserves Areas protecting spaces where human activity constitutes an 4
(UNESCO network) integral component of the territory, and where the management
should focus on the sustainable development of the resources
World Heritage Site Outstanding natural areas with unique features on a worldwide scale 1
(UNESCO network)
Ramsar Convention Protected Wetlands offering important ecological services, such as the 1
Wetlands(UNESCO network) regulation of water regimes as well as important sources of biodiversity