The Lanzarote and La Graciosa councils have approved a funding scheme for the conservation and restoration of heritage sites on the islands. Oswaldo Betancort, the president of the Cabildo and heritage advisor, described the initiative as essential for “protecting our legacy” and “preserving the identity” of both islands.
The new regulations establish a framework for competitive grants aimed at private property owners whose buildings hold significant cultural or historical value. Betancort emphasised that this is a major step towards enhancing the protection of their insular heritage, affirming that safeguarding their legacy is crucial for maintaining Lanzarote and La Graciosa’s identity.
The funding programme includes seven areas of financial support, enabling homeowners to cover costs related to maintenance, conservation, and restoration of properties, including work on facades, roofs, and traditional hydraulic features like cisterns.
Eligible applicants include private individuals and entities owning culturally significant properties, while public administrations are excluded from the programme. The heritage service is now working to launch the first call for applications as soon as possible.
Future funding rounds will require approval from the Insular Government Council and will be published in the National Subsidies Database and the Official Bulletin of Las Palmas Province.
Beneficiaries will need to implement projects as authorised, provide evidence of expenses, and adhere to applicable regulations. This approval marks a significant enhancement of the councils’ commitment to preserving the islands’ historical patrimony and facilitating new initiatives that enrich their cultural landscape.
