Every June 8th, World Oceans Day reminds us to reflect on the importance of oceans in conserving life on Earth. At Abama, we have contributed to this cause by publishing the book Abama Blue Ocean, dedicated to raising awareness about the Franja Marina Teno-Rasca, Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site. For each book sold, we donate €10 to organizations focused on researching the biodiversity of this ecosystem.
The Vital Connection Between Sea and Land
70% of the Earth is covered by water, produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen and is responsible for most of its biodiversity. Oceans are the source of food for over a billion people worldwide, and the UN estimates that by 2030, around 40 million people will be employed in maritime-related sectors.
In the Atlantic, Tenerife has taken significant steps to protect its rich marine life, especially cetaceans. Families of bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales live here year-round, along with transient populations of spotted dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, tropical fin whales, gray pilot whales, and sperm whales.
Looking more closely at the Canary Islands archipelago, the Franja Marina Teno-Rasca stands out as a globally significant area. Located between the coasts of Tenerife and La Gomera, this 69,489-hectare corridor is Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site, certified by Responsible Watching and recognized by the World Cetacean Alliance.
A Beautiful Book with a Powerful Purpose
The Franja Marina Teno-Rasca is home to a diverse and vibrant ecosystem, and our book Abama Blue Ocean offers a comprehensive look at this remarkable area. Edited by Abama Resort Tenerife and guided by Francis Perez —an acclaimed underwater photographer and president of the association Pelagic Life Canarias— the book answers key questions about the species that inhabit this marine corridor and the unique characteristics of its ecosystem.
The book features stunning images of cetaceans, turtles, sharks, and jellyfish, captured by top underwater photographers like Eduardo Acevedo, Montse Grillo, Marcos Latorre, Joaquín Gutiérrez, Rogelio Herrera, and Francis Pérez. This deluxe edition not only pays tribute to Tenerife’s waters but also serves as a valuable resource for raising environmental awareness.
To read more about the book and order your copy, visit our webpage.
In addition to its large-format photographs, the book outlines the research and conservation efforts of organizations like Asociación Tonina, the BIOECOMAC group from the University of La Laguna, and the ECOAQUA Institute at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The book warns that without controlling maritime traffic and reducing noise and plastic pollution, pelagic species will continue to drastically decline.
In response, Tenerife’s authorities have implemented measures such as the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching, signed by local companies to ensure the well-being of marine life.
Given the importance of protecting the Franja Marina Teno-Rasca for the sustainability of our waters and the life they support, Abama Blue Ocean donates €10 from each sale to Pelagic Life Canarias and the Tonina Association, helping them continue their vital research and conservation work of the biodiversity of this area.
As part of our sustainable homes initiative, Abama is committed to tourism that reveals Tenerife’s natural beauty while protecting its unique heritage. We have joined environmental education programs and beach cleanup efforts, among other initiatives, to make sure that each World Oceans Day marks progress in our conservation goals.
