The AGEO project receives the REGIOSTARS 2025 award for its innovation in geological risk management in San Bartolomé de Tirajana.

 

The AGEO project for the management of landslides and geological risks in the Atlantic has been awarded the REGIOSTARS 2025 prize by the European Commission. This award recognizes the best projects funded by the European Union that promote sustainable regional development . The Fire and Rescue Service (SEIS) of San Bartolomé de Tirajana actively participates in this initiative, reinforcing the local commitment to natural hazard prevention.

 

European recognition of natural risk management

 

During the ceremony held at the European Union headquarters in Brussels, the AGEO platform received the jury's top award in the 'A Green Europe' category. It also received the People's Choice Award , determined by a public vote, solidifying its position as one of Europe's most important research and participatory initiatives in natural risk management and citizen involvement in disaster prevention.

 

Participation of the SEIS of San Bartolomé de Tirajana

 

The San Bartolomé de Tirajana Fire Service played a vital role in the project, carrying out fieldwork , educational activities , and awareness campaigns targeting the municipality's residents. These actions have been fundamental in strengthening public awareness of geological risks and the importance of prevention.

 

 

 

Involvement of the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC)

 

The Spanish Geological and Mining Institute (IGME-CSIC) was responsible for the research and presentation of the project at the Government Sub-delegation in the Canary Islands. Institutional and scientific representatives from various entities participated in the event, demonstrating inter-institutional collaboration in geological risk management.

 

Closing of the AGEO project in San Fernando de Maspalomas

 

The official closing ceremony for the AGEO project took place in May in San Fernando de Maspalomas . The event, presided over by Mayor Marco Aurelio Pérez Sánchez , demonstrated the municipality's commitment to safety , sustainability , and scientific cooperation . During the day, secondary school students from the municipality learned how science and prevention come together to improve safety in the face of natural phenomena such as landslides, floods, and seismic activity.

 

Citizen observatories and geological risk prevention

 

The AGEO project , funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area program, brings together scientists, local communities, and public authorities to create citizen observatories . These observatories are designed to prevent and improve the early detection of geological hazards in the Atlantic. Through a digital application, participants can issue alerts, access educational information, and receive real-time warnings about natural hazards, thereby strengthening early warning systems and territorial resilience.

 

San Bartolomé de Tirajana: a key municipality in geological risk management

 

San Bartolomé de Tirajana was selected due to the potential geological risk in areas such as Amurga , Tunte , Risco Blanco , and Rosiana . The Canary Islands Territorial Unit of the IGME-CSIC played a key role in the development of the research and in the creation of citizen observatories in this municipality, consolidating its position as a leader in local natural hazard management.

 

Institutional recognition and satisfaction of the scientific team

 

After the results of the competition were announced, scientist Nieves Sánchez Jiménez , who spearheaded the project in the Canary Islands at the IGME-CSIC, highlighted the team's satisfaction with this award: it recognizes the work of the Institute and the other Spanish partners, and above all, the citizens and collaborators from other institutions in the Canary Islands, who thanks to the project have begun to understand the danger of landslides and the need to implement them in Municipal Emergency Plans.

 

Shared success and institutional commitment

 

The Department of Security and Emergencies, headed by Deputy Mayor José Carlos Álamo , and the Municipal Fire Service celebrate this recognition as a shared success between science, the educational community, institutions, and emergency services . This multidisciplinary collaboration has been key to strengthening the management of geological risks in San Bartolomé de Tirajana and throughout the Atlantic region.

 

AGEO: a benchmark in risk management and sustainability in Europe

“The AGEO project seeks to strengthen risk management systems, which has become a priority throughout Europe due to climate change adaptation. The award reinforces the municipality's commitment to prevention, sustainability, and international cooperation, which are essential pillars for building a safer, more informed, and more resilient society,” says José Carlos Álamo.

 

The AGEO platform is thus consolidating itself as a model to follow in the prevention of geological risks , citizen participation and international cooperation , contributing to the creation of safer territories prepared for the natural challenges of the present and the future.