Spain · UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Series, 13th issue, Garajonay National Park

Issue date23 Mar 2022

Total mintage1,000,000

EU maximum1,000,000

Editions5

Edge lettering2 ★ ★ × 6, alternating upright/inverted

InscriptionESPAÑA / 2022

DesignerAlfonso Morales Muñoz

mintFábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre / · Real Casa de la Moneda, Madrid

Issue occasion

The coin commemorates Garajonay National Park on La Gomera as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The laurel forest there is considered a unique ecosystem and a remnant of the tropical and subtropical forests that covered large parts of Europe and North Africa during the Tertiary period. The design depicts the “Roque de Agando” and a detailed view of the laurel forest.

The design

Garajonay National Park, located in the middle of the Canary Island of La Gomera, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding example of a well-preserved laurel forest (Laurisilva) and, as a unique ecosystem, is a living remnant of the tropical and subtropical forests that covered large parts of Europe and North Africa during the Tertiary period.

The coin design shows a view of the “Roque de Agando” and a detailed view of the laurel forest. At the top right, the issuing country “ESPAÑA” and the minting year “2022” are shown in capital letters. The mint mark of the mint is also located in the upper right part of the inner disc.

The outer ring of the coin depicts the twelve stars of the European flag.

Background on the topic

The national park was established in 1981 and covers just under 4,000 hectares in the centre and north of La Gomera. It has been on the World Heritage List since 1986. Its highest point is the 1,487-metre-high Alto de Garajonay. The terrain is characterised by deeply incised valleys and steep mountain slopes that arose from the volcanic history of the Canary Islands.

The interaction between altitude and the northeast trade winds is crucial for the vegetation. Moist air masses accumulate on the mountains and frequently form fog. This settles on leaves and branches and additionally supplies the soil with water. This phenomenon, known as horizontal precipitation, enables consistently high humidity despite low regular rainfall. The forest includes various laurel trees, tree heath and sweet gale. It also provides a habitat for numerous species found only in the Canary Islands or Macaronesia, including the Laurel Pigeon and Bolle’s Pigeon.

Roque de Agando is not a structure but a volcanic rock formation. It formed from solidified magma inside an earlier volcano. Erosion removed the softer surrounding rock, while the more resistant core remained standing. Agando belongs to a group of such rock formations known as Los Roques, which is protected as a natural monument.

The name Garajonay is traditionally associated with the legend of Gara and Jonay. In different versions, it tells of two young lovers from the pre-Hispanic island world whose relationship is prevented and ends fatally. The story forms part of La Gomera’s cultural heritage; its historical basis has not been established.

The issue is connected with a Spanish coin series that has featured UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain annually since 2010. The selection of Garajonay thus followed this long-term programme and was not linked to a single anniversary.