La Palma Rebuild: Science-Driven Recovery Plan

Four years after the volcanic eruption ended on December 25, 2021, La Palma is undergoing a significant recovery phase led by Héctor Izquierdo. Appointed as the commissioner for Reconstruction in June 2022, Izquierdo aims to transform the disaster into an opportunity for the island. His background includes a doctorate in Economic Sciences and experience as Secretary of State for Finance. Currently, the focus has shifted from housing compensation to the revitalization of the agricultural sector. A major long-term objective has been established: to ensure that 6% of La Palma's Gross Domestic Product originates from the science sector. Izquierdo acknowledges that while substantial work remains, the island's relationship with volcanic activity is complex.

Héctor Izquierdo brings a personal connection to his role as the commissioner for the Reconstruction of La Palma. Born in Los Llanos de Aridane in 1974, he grew up on the island where his parents still reside in Puerto Naos. His professional qualifications are extensive, holding a Doctorate in Economic Sciences and Business and a Law degree.

Before his current appointment, Izquierdo built a career spanning twenty countries in management, teaching, and research. He briefly served as the Secretary of State for Finance, a position he held for six months. In June 2022, he was named the first and currently only commissioner for the island's reconstruction, operating under the Ministry of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory.

As the fourth year since the eruption's extinction passes, the reconstruction efforts have moved through various phases. The eruption officially concluded on December 25, 2021. Since then, the administration has successfully closed the compensation processes for damaged housing. However, the work is far from over. The current priority is the recovery of the island's agricultural sector, a vital component of the local economy.

Izquierdo admits that there is still much work to be done to restore the island fully. The strategy involves viewing the reconstruction not just as a repair job, but as a chance for fundamental change. The commissioner emphasizes the importance of turning the crisis into a catalyst for improvement.

The vision for La Palma's economic future is ambitious and specific. The administration has set a target for 6% of the island's GDP to be generated by the science sector. This indicates a strategic pivot toward knowledge-based industries to diversify the local economy. This goal aligns with the broader objective of making the reconstruction a 'transformative challenge'.

The integration of science into the economic fabric of the island is seen as a way to secure long-term stability. By leveraging the unique geological and environmental conditions of La Palma, the aim is to create a sustainable economic model that reduces reliance on traditional sectors alone.

Despite the destruction caused by the eruption, the relationship between the islanders and the volcano is nuanced. Izquierdo characterizes this dynamic as a love-hate relationship. He notes that volcanoes are part of the island's 'idiosyncrasia'—a defining characteristic of the region's identity.

This perspective suggests that the recovery is not about eradicating the risk, but about learning to live with it more effectively. The goal is to build a resilient community that can thrive despite the natural challenges posed by the island's geology.