Improving Groundwater Quality Through Biosphere Reserve Management: Insights from the Anaga Reserve, Tenerife

The Canary Islands, an outermost Spanish territory in the Atlantic Ocean, are renowned for their subtropical climate and significant tourism. However, substantial areas are designated for environmental protection, notably the Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which is the focus of this study. This research investigates the influence of Biosphere Reserve designation on groundwater quality, a crucial resource for Tenerife’s population. We analysed the physicochemical properties of groundwater within the Anaga region over a decade (2007–2016). Our findings demonstrate that groundwater quality consistently meets regulatory standards, exhibiting no evidence of pollution. This high quality is attributed to several factors, including the low population density, limited tourism impact within the reserve, and crucially, the effective soil protection measures implemented within the Biosphere Reserve. The compact geology of the region further limits infiltration and potential pollution. The sustained high quality of groundwater, even in the absence of detectable pollution, highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring to maintain this valuable resource and support local biodiversity. This case study provides a valuable model for sustainable groundwater management and soil protection strategies in other areas of Tenerife and beyond.