The INTA station in Maspalomas has carried out the third edition of the Space Gardens activity with the CFGB of the IES El Tablero and the CFGM of the IES Faro, both from the agricultural branch, in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The origin of this project dates back to the need to reduce water consumption, given the climate of the place. With the aim of solving this problem and, in turn, promoting citizen participation in a place as emblematic of Maspalomas as the CEC is due to its history in the space race and, especially, in the Gemini and Apollo programs, it was proposed the design of a sustainable garden, specifically a xerogarden.
It is a garden cultivated with plants of an ornamental nature and low water consumption made up of xerophiles, that is, plants that support the arid environment such as that of Gran Canaria. The activity, coordinated by the Esteban Terradas National Institute of Aerospace Technology in collaboration with the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council and both educational centers, has allowed the transformation of approximately 400 square meters of grass into a xeriscape.
Furthermore, since the beginning of this project until now, a saving of 4 million liters of irrigation water has been achieved annually. INTA has given special thanks to Borja Verdejo for his involvement in the project.
