Gran Canaria: Planting the ARC Forest

For many years, ARC crews have been volunteering to plant trees in the hills above Las Palmas. This isn’t just an excuse to enjoy the spectacular views from the mountains, it has a serious ecological purpose, too.

Local not-for-profit organisation, Fundación Foresta, is working to revitalise the ancient Doramas Forest for the benefit of wildlife, ecosystem restoration, water catchment and carbon capture. The organisation has planted 576,423 trees extending over 726 hectares of Gran Canaria, and this is already fixing over 5,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.

World Cruising Club became involved with Fundación Foresta in 2010 as a way of offsetting the carbon footprint of the rally and giving something back to the community that has been so important to the ARC. So far, rally participants have planted almost 4,000 trees in the growing forest. Each year volunteers from ARC and ARC+ fleet add a few hundred more, taking the morning off from boat work to enjoy the fresh air and amazing views from the mountains to the northwest of Las Palmas city. The event underscores the vital role that individuals and organisations can play in addressing climate change and preserving our environment.

The tiny trees are grown by Fundación Foresta and are native to the Canary Islands or well adapted to that environment. Varieties include faya (fire tree), brezo (tree heather), folaos (oak), acebino (holly), madrono canario (strawberry tree), barbuzano (laurel), castano (sweet chestnut), vinatigo (laurel) and paloblanco (olive). Each tree has to be carefully planted in the dry soil so that rainfall and dew are concentrated on the root area, giving the tree the best chance of survival. The original trees planted back in 2010 are now an impressive size, proof that the hard work is worth it!

Giving Back

There is usually an element of competition amongst the various crews to see who can plant the most trees! In 2023, the Swiss-German crew Wolfgang, Petra, and Carston of Gian were victorious, planting a total of 15 trees between them. This was Wolfgang’s second contribution to the ARC Forest, having also climbed the mountain to plant trees as part of ARC 2021.

David and PJ from Pure Joy planted 8 trees between them. For David, it was an opportunity to give something back to Gran Canaria, as well as having a bit of fun and getting off the boat! For PJ, hailing from New Zealand, the trip was a little more personal. Like Gran Canaria, New Zealand also suffered a great deal of deforestation, with most of the country's ancient forest destroyed, so he understands the vital importance of replanting for the future.

Marissa, also crew onboard Pure Joy is crossing the Atlantic as part of a gap year adventure. She aims to volunteer in every destination she visits. The Foresta project was an ideal opportunity for her to do this in Gran Canaria.

Charlie Nurse, sailing on Gertha 5, said it was “A thoroughly fun day out and good to meet other ARC participants and do a bit for the environment.”

Fundación Foresta

Founded in 1998, Fundación Foresta is a private, non-profit organisation dedicated to the restoration, conservation and maintenance of the Canary Islands' forests. Working with local people, groups, companies and volunteers, they have planted almost 600,000 trees over 726 hectares in Gran Canaria to regenerate the ancient Doramas forest, plus projects on the other Canarian islands.

Positive Impact Fund

World Cruising Club has always been involved in projects that ‘give back’ to the communities we visit on our rallies, and to celebrate the 40th ARC in 2025, we established a charitable fund to develop and maintain this element of cruising life. The Positive Impact Fund is supported by a contribution from rally boat entry fees, and by direct donations by participants and supporters.

Watch this video about the link between Fundacion Foresta and World Cruising Club. Watch video.