Still some centuries ago Fuerteventura was partly covered with forests. These were nearly completely cleared, in order to cover the need of burning and of shipbuilding material.

The today's vegetation is very well adapted to the dryness. There is large variety at thorn shrubs, fat plants, Euphorbia and Cactus; some occur only on the Canary Islands, some even only on Fuerteventura. Many of the rare plants stand under nature protection. The ecological system of this half desert is very sensitive; the vegetation could be damaged easily and needs a long time, in order to renew itself. If plants are destroyed, e.g. of jeeps, which leave the roads, years can pass by until new plants arise; often grows nothing more at all. Also the many goats, its number are estimated on 70.000, cause large damages, since they eat each recent impulse immediately.
The balder however the country is, the more strongly it develops for erosions, all the more rain water flows unused into the sea and all the groundwater reserves are not filled up. That entails that the groundwater level sinks, whereby the plants have it more difficult. Also for the agriculture it is hard to sustain.

The water requirement increased strongly by tourism, but is now to a large extent covered by sea waters, prepared in sea water desalination plants. The preparation is very energy complex and therefore expensive. The waste water is often used for the irrigation of garden plants.
On Fuerteventura wind force has a long history. On the whole island you find old windmills, partially already reconditioned, and new Wind-wheels. In the proximity of Costa Calma there is a large wind force park. Also solar power is increasingly used and subsidized by the government.

In total 28, 8% of the island is nature protected
The first nature park, "El Jable", was established in 1982 and covers the dunes of Corralejo and the island Lobos. Also nearly the entire peninsula of Jandia is proven as Nature Park. Large areas are enclosed, in order to protect the vegetation against goats and jeeps. All touristic resorts must dispose their waste water in sewage purification plants. The area around the old capital Betancuria was placed under landscape protection.
Thus tries to retain the harsh beauty and the unique character of Fuerteventura.