Lanzarote’s UNESCO Global Geopark is gaining recognition as a valuable site for scientific research, following a recent visit by ESA astronaut Pablo Álvarez. The Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa highlighted the park’s significance during Álvarez’s training under the ESA’s PANGAEA programme, which prepares astronauts for geological research on future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Attending the meeting were Oswaldo Betancort, President of the Cabildo; Samuel Martín, Geopark councillor; Loredana Bessone, ESA’s PANGAEA project manager; and Álvarez himself.
The volcanic features of Lanzarote make it an ideal location for studying planetary geology, crucial for training in areas similar to those astronauts may encounter on other planets. Betancort expressed pride in Lanzarote hosting ESA training, stating that its volcanic landscapes prepare astronauts for exploration missions. He emphasized the island’s dual role in promoting natural heritage and scientific knowledge, noting the importance of protecting its geology for future generations.
Martín explained that a Geopark is more than just a scenic location; it serves to preserve geological features and promote education and research. He mentioned that ESA’s choice of Lanzarote for astronaut training underscores the scientific value of the territory, allowing for studies of volcanic processes and their relationships with water, which are relevant to our understanding of other planetary bodies, including Mars.
Álvarez affirmed that “Lanzarote is the best place in the world to learn to be the eyes and hands of scientists on the Moon and Mars.” Bessone commended Lanzarote for its high level of conservation and protection, noting that the training prepares astronauts to interpret the terrain, conduct geological surveys, collect samples, and work effectively with ground scientific teams.
The Lanzarote training is part of a multi-week itinerary covering various geological sites across Europe. According to the Cabildo, the island’s volcanic landscape and geological diversity reinforce its status as a leading site for planetary geology training.
