Catalonia Biodiversity Plan the Generalitat of Catalonia has taken a major step to protect biodiversity by approving provisional grants totalling €3.8 million for the purchase of 70 private estates. Local councils, consortia, and non-profit organisations will use the funds to acquire the land.
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They must then implement conservation projects by the end of 2026.
Catalonia Biodiversity Plan: A Focus on Conservation Marc Vilahur, director general of Environmental Policies and the Natural Environment, explained the strategy. The government initially considered buying or expropriating up to 200 properties.
Only one case has triggered an urgent expropriation process so far. This involves 29 hectares at the Vilaüt pond in Alt Empordà, a key site for amphibian reproduction and migratory species.
The buyers are legally bound to protect and restore the biodiversity on their acquired land for 30 years.
Some of the largest operations cover over 200 hectares. In Montagut i Oix (Garrotxa), a naturalist group will manage 252 hectares, including archaeological sites.
The actions are spread across Catalonia, from Alt Empordà and Alt Urgell to Baix Ebre and Terra Alta. In Horta de Sant Joan, the council will receive €130,848 to buy five estates on the Santa Bàrbara mountain. The goal is to improve habitats affected by erosion, overgrazing, or abandonment.
Vilahur noted that this first stage avoids purchasing estates with buildings. One example is the Llebreta lake property in the Vall de Boí.
Overall, this Catalonia biodiversity plan represents a significant investment in the region’s natural heritage. Join our WhatsApp broadcast channel for instant news updates!.
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