The Santa Coloma de Gramenet City Council has approved a comprehensive new ordinance to regulate the use of the Besòs River Park, one of the municipality’s most popular outdoor spaces. This move introduces a strict sanctioning regime, with fines of up to €3,000 for serious infractions. Consequently, the council aims to protect the area’s natural environment and ensure visitor safety. This initiative comes as the region grapples with environmental pressures, as highlighted by the recent severe storm damage to Barcelona’s coastline.

Protecting a Biodiversity Refuge at Besòs River Park

The primary objective of the ordinance is to balance public leisure activities with the conservation of the river as a biodiversity refuge. Therefore, the regulations clearly distinguish between zones open for public use—such as riverside green spaces and paved paths—and restricted areas dedicated to scientific research and wildlife preservation. Access to these protected zones will now be strictly prohibited to the general public.

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Banned Activities and Restrictions at Besòs River Park

To preserve the ecosystem, the council has outlined approximately thirty specific behaviours that are now expressly forbidden. These measures aim to reduce human impact on the river’s flora and fauna. The prohibition on graffiti, for instance, reflects the city’s extensive graffiti removal efforts in other public areas.

Prohibited activities include:

  • Contact with water: Direct contact with the river or associated ponds is banned.
  • Wildlife interaction: Visitors must not feed wild animals, hunt, or fish.
  • Social gatherings: Camping, barbecues, lighting fires, and large-scale picnics are strictly prohibited.
  • Disturbances: The use of drones, balloons, and remote-controlled aircraft is not permitted.
  • Commercial and other activities: Street vending, prostitution, graffiti, and street drinking parties (botellones) are banned.

Mobility and Transport Rules for Besòs River Park

The new rules also tighten controls on mobility within the park. Motor vehicles are prohibited from entering the area. Meanwhile, cyclists and electric scooter users are restricted to specific marked itineraries on paved roads; riding outside these designated routes is no longer permitted.

City officials state that these measures are essential for maintaining the Besòs River Park as a safe, clean, and ecological asset for the community. In addition, enforcement will be key, and the initiative is supported by the context of high police ratings in Santa Coloma. For more information on park management best practices, you can refer to resources from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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