Mount Teide, the majestic volcano that rises on Tenerife, is much more than an imposing mountain. It is a symbol of identity for the Canary Islanders, an indelible mark on the history of the islands, and a natural legacy of incalculable value.

For many, like Khadija, a young teenager from Tenerife whom we recently interviewed, "Teide is a symbol of identity, history, and nature that inspires pride and belonging." Its silhouette, outlined against the blue sky, dominates the landscape and evokes the force of nature that created it. The sea of clouds that often surrounds it creates a magical scene, a "white carpet" that spreads out at its feet, as if the volcano were floating in a dream. This phenomenon, caused by the trade winds, is a constant reminder of the unique climate of the Canary Islands. On its slopes, life makes its way tenaciously. The Teide violet, the red tajinaste, and the Tenerife lizard are examples of the adaptation of flora and fauna to the extreme conditions of the volcano.

But Teide is not only a wonder of nature, it is also a melting pot of cultures. Since ancient times, it has fascinated European explorers and scientists. The German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, on his trip to Tenerife in 1799, was amazed by the flora of the volcano, and his studies on the Teide violet contributed to the knowledge of Canarian botany, as Natalia told us, who recently read a book about this character. The European scientific expeditions of the 19th century left a deep mark on the island, promoting the study of the geology, fauna, and flora of Teide.

Teide is also an open book for science. Its geological structure, with its caldera and volcanic cones, allows the study of volcanology and the formation of oceanic islands. For the Guanches, the ancient inhabitants of Tenerife, the volcano was a sacred place, home to the god Guayota, and the protagonist of numerous legends.

Today, Teide National Park is the most visited in Spain, an economic engine for the island, and a showcase for the natural beauty of the Canary Islands. Its designation as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 recognizes its exceptional universal value. Teide is a legacy that we share with Europe and the world, a symbol of resistance, adaptation, and beauty that we must protect for future generations. As Khadija rightly said, "the volcanic origin of the islands, with dramatic landscapes like Teide, generates a strong connection with the earth and an admiration for the force of nature."

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