Environment
The Environment Area in ITER was created in 1997 with the main objective of contributing to sustainable development through the improvement of management to reduce volcanic risk, as well as for the many benefits of the volcanic phenomenon, both in the Canary Islands and in other volcanically active regions, through the advancement and strengthening of scientific knowledge, cooperation, training and outreach. It currently has three Departments, Volcanology, Environmental Quality and Geothermal & Water. Its main lines of scientific activities are related to:
Volcanic risk, strengthen scientific and technical knowledge as well as citizen education to reduce volcanic risk.
Geotourism,promoting the attractions of the Canary Islands and other volcanically active regions, including the protection of fragile environments and strengthening knowledge of the geological heritage.
Groundwater resources, to advance in the knowledge of island volcanic aquifers for a better management of this important natural resource.
Geothermal resources, detect and evaluate geothermal resources through R&D activities that allow the development of these energy resources.
Environmental quality, analyze and evaluate the emission of atmospheric pollutants by natural and anthropogenic sources, as well as air quality.
Agri-food traceability, strengthening scientific and technical expertise to protect producers and consumers from fraud by contributing to the development of rigid controls on the authenticity and geographical origin of products.
