Page 16 - U4SSC Compendium of survey results on integrated digital solutions for city platforms around the world

100 per cent energy-renewable and 100 per cent recyclable, while developing a strategy for
sustainable mobility.

In addition, the Island has made an effort to enhance its rural character when adapting a tourism
strategy that differs from the rest with a series of specific services and types of accommodation (e.g.,
rural houses, hiking and diving). The island is recognized worldwide for the quality of its seabed,
and the Cabildo has promoted this value given the enormous economic potential it has for the
island and its economy, promoting specialized tourism and a series of services to be developed
to welcome new visitors.

In relation to volcanic events and the impact they have had on the island recently, it is necessary
to consider managing the opportunity to generate added value and opportunities such as the
scientific potential of El Hierro to host researchers and entrepreneurs in relation to these seismic
and volcanological events. In this sense, the promotion of the Volcanological Interpretation Centre
through which citizens and professionals can learn and deepen their insights acquires a special
value.

The island has a rich natural heritage. The network of protected natural spaces (Red de Espacios
Naturales Protegidos) of the Canary Islands in El Hierro collects the best vegetation samples of
the islands. There are several species endemic to the island and there is a rich variety of habitats
that are home to different threatened species such as the giant lizard of El Hierro. El Hierro was
declared a “Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO in January 2000 to preserve an invaluable natural,
cultural and scenic heritage.

Additionally, El Hierro has been declared a Geopark by UNESCO. A Geopark is endowed with an
important geological heritage due to its scientific value, rarity, or aesthetic or educational value, in
addition to other natural and cultural heritage elements. For these reasons, a Geopark is considered
a new model for socio-economic development in rural areas.

All these ideas are to be integrated under the umbrella of “Smart Island”, enhancing the value of
new communication and telecommunication technologies to improve the quality and perspective
of life of its inhabitants and visitors.

The island's digital transformation is promoted through different initiatives and projects, among
which the following stand out:

• Hierro 100% Renovable (Hierro 100 % Renewable), to make the island a self-sustaining place
from an energy point of view.

• Hierro 100% Reciclable (Hierro 100 % Recyclable), promotes progress in waste management
and recycling, as well as in environmental education.
• Plan Director de Movilidad Sostenible (Sustainable Mobility Master Plan), which seeks to reduce
the emission of carbon dioxide, promote the use of public transport and define an integrated
mobility system on the island.

4 Compendium of survey results on integrated digital solutions for city platforms around the world