I Phoenix canariensis International Conference

Phoenix canariensis is one of the most important vegetal species in the Canary Islands, since it is an important part of the Canaries landscape and ecosystem. Phoenix canariensis has also become an important part of the Canary Islands people identity, culture, economy and also of its religion. Phoenix canariensis elegant and magestic silouette is found almost every where in Canaries. All this contributed to the Phoenix canariensis designation by the Canarian Parliament as a Vegetal Symbol to archipelago (law 7/1991, April 30th). 

Recent years have seen a growing social and scientific awareness regarding the damage and vulnerability of the natural and seminatural palm ecosystems existing in the Canaries due to the severe threats existing over them. Both, the detection and proliferation of the Diocalandra, red palm weevil and also the illnesses generated by the Thelaviopsis or Fusarium which is having as a result a worrying number of Phoenix canariensis dead, and also the introduction on the islands of other same genus palm species, which creates a  risk of genetic contamination.  

This situation affects not only to the Canary Islands, but also to other places where the Phoenix canariensis has an important presence (Mediterranean area, south of France and Italy), and it requires an active social and governmental action, adopting legal measures related to the territory, preservation and management based on the criteria of sostenibility and based on scientific bases. 

This international Conference, taking place in Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, has the aim to summon a relevant number of specialists, scientist and managers from different places in the world (Spain, United States, United Kingdom, France, etc.) with the main objective to exchange information about the Biology, Ecology, menaces and in general all the dangers faced by Phoenix genus and Phoenix canariensis in particular; also it will give the possibility to debate about strategies and programs aimed to preserve the plant richness and set the basis of the research and management of Phoenix canariensis in the Canary Islands.  

Parallel to the Conference will take place different workshops where the Phoenix canariensis will be the focus point: photography, gastronomy, security and hygiene in pruning, etc. 

The last day of the Conference will offer also a chance to visit some of the most impressive Phoenix canariensis areas, giving the chance to see the situation facing this species in the Canaries. 

We look forward to welcoming to Gran Canaria to participate in this International Conference, which we hope, will become an important forum to Phoenix canariensis.

Eduardo Franquiz, Pedro Sosa