The event ranks among the select group of organisations in the global motorsport calendar that have achieved the highest level of the International Automobile Federation’s programme, validating a model for a major, responsible international event set against the unique backdrop of the island of Gran Canaria.
The Rally Islas Canarias – Rally of Spain, the only Spanish round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), has been awarded the FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation, the highest level of sustainability certification granted by the International Automobile Federation. The certificate, dated 24 April 2026, is signed by Andrew Fraser, Chair of the FIA Sustainability and D&I Committee, and by Aiden Harper, Chair of the Commission for the Environment and Sustainability in Sport.
With this distinction, the event joins a select group of leading figures in international motorsport — including Formula 1 and its main teams and manufacturers — who have achieved the federation’s highest environmental standard, becoming one of the few World Rally Championship events to attain this recognition.
The highest level of a global benchmark programme
The FIA Environmental Accreditation Programme, in place since 2011, helps stakeholders in motorsport and mobility around the world to measure and improve their environmental performance. It is structured across three levels — from one to three stars — and assesses each organisation’s performance against 17 criteria, ranging from energy consumption, waste management and carbon emissions to transport planning, supply chain management, biodiversity and noise control.
Achieving Three Stars—the highest rating, aligned with the ISO 14001 standard and best corporate environmental practices—requires demonstrating a sound management system, robust internal procedures, qualified teams and verifiable monitoring indicators. The award is also granted following an audit carried out by a qualified independent auditor, ensuring impartiality and rigour throughout the process.
A major, responsible event in a stunning natural setting
Gran Canaria, recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a natural setting that is as spectacular as it is fragile. Hosting a World Championship event in this region—which brings together teams, fans and professionals from all over the world—carries with it the responsibility to protect the very environment that is its greatest attraction. The FIA accreditation confirms that the Rally Islas Canarias – Rally de España meets this challenge with an organisational model capable of combining sporting excellence with respect for the environment.
This recognition is the result of a planned effort that has included the development of a comprehensive sustainability plan, a monitoring report and the calculation of the event’s carbon footprint, carried out in collaboration with specialist consultants and applying standards aligned with the Canary Islands Government’s framework, which are more stringent than the European and mainland benchmarks. Added to this are waste management measures, mobility planning, and environmental coordination and compliance with local authorities, including the Cabildo de Gran Canaria.
Statements
“Receiving the FIA Three Stars is a source of enormous pride and, above all, recognition of the rigour with which we work. It demonstrates that a major global event can be held in a territory as unique as Gran Canaria, whilst caring for it and showcasing its value. Sustainability is not an afterthought in our organisation: it lies at the heart of the project and of our commitment to the island that hosts us and to the future of this sport.”
Germán Morales Hernández • Promoter and Organiser of the Rally Islas Canarias – Rally of Spain
The FIA’s award reinforces the international standing of the Rally Islas Canarias – Rally of Spain and its contribution to the image of Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands in general as a destination committed to sustainability, at a time when global motorsport is moving towards the goal of carbon neutrality.
About the Rally Islas Canarias – Rally of Spain
The Rally Islas Canarias – Rally of Spain is the only Spanish round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Its 50th edition took place from 23 to 26 April 2026, based in Gran Canaria, and was organised by Club Deportivo Todo Sport. Beyond its sporting dimension, the event generates a significant economic and tourism impact on the archipelago and promotes the image of the Canary Islands to a global audience.
About the FIA Environmental Accreditation Programme
Created in 2011 by the International Automobile Federation, the programme enables teams, promoters, circuits and organisations worldwide to measure and improve their environmental performance through an independent certification process. It comprises three levels, with Three Stars being the highest grade, reserved for those who demonstrate a mature and verifiable environmental management system.
