NEW UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE IN SPAIN

UNESCO designates the Val d'Aran, Catalonia, as a Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO has announced the approval of the designation of 11 new biosphere reserves in 11 countries, including Spain. 

The Val d'Aran Biosphere Resrve is in the North of Catalonia, bordering France, and is the western frontier of the Catalan Pyrenees. It spans 632 km² and serves as Catalonia's sole north-facing valley. The valley's northern orientation, mountainous terrain, and Atlantic climate result in much higher precipitation than other Pyrenean regions and the Iberian Peninsula. This unique environment supports ecosystems that are particularly favorable for species such as the Brown bear, a diverse array of micro-mammals, the threatened freshwater Sculpin, and even the Bearded vulture. The region is also a bastion of Occitan cultural and linguistic heritage.

According to UNESCO, ‘The designation of the area as a biosphere reserve has been a pivotal step towards improving biodiversity protection and revitalizing traditional practices, in order to halt depopulation and transition to a more resilient rural development model. The biosphere reserve’s management plan has been meticulously designed with village representatives from local associations promoting tourism and animal husbandry.’

Learn more about Val d'Aran here