Canary Islands government to tackle invasive species in La Gomera

The Government of the Canary Islands, through Islas Responsables Lab (IRLab) and the startup association EMERGE, is organizing a new edition of the 'Rutas 2030' initiative in La Gomera. The primary focus of this session is to address the expansion of 'rabo de gato' (Pennisetum setaceum), an invasive species that is displacing endemic flora across the archipelago.

Despite previous investments exceeding 17 million euros in the fight against this species, efforts have largely been unsuccessful. The upcoming event on September 19 will visit emblematic sites such as the Barranco de La Laja to analyze innovative scientific and technological techniques to limit the plant's proliferation. The initiative aims to connect traditional sectors with modern innovation to prevent rural depopulation and preserve the islands' cultural identity.