Protection of Nature in Spain

NATURAL SCIENCE

PROTECTION OF NATURE IN SPAIN

The large diversity of landscapes and contrasts in Spain is surprising. What's more, this is the country with the second highest number of UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves in the world. In Spain you can find mountains, forests and valleys; as well as volcanoes, dunes and desert areas, marshlands, lakes, cliffs, waterfalls, canyons...Unique and valuable nature that needs and to be looked after.

"Spain is an important resting spot for migratory birds. Spain is also home to such mammals as the wolf, lynx, wildcat, fox, wild boar, deer, hare, and wild goat. Streams and lakes shelter trout, barbel, and tench fish. But many species of wildlife face threats from habitat loss and pollution.

Due to centuries of tree cutting, large forests are now found only in the north Pyrenees and the Asturias-Galicia area. Erosion and river pollution are also problems. Spain has created many national parks and refuges, but they only cover about 7 percent of the country."

​Donana national park

​One protected area is Doñana National Park, The park's diversity of life is unique in Europe and includes the European badger, Egyptian mongoose, and endangered species such as the Spanish imperial eagle and the

Iberian lynx.

​Parque Nacional de Timanfaya

​Parque Nacional de Cabañeros

​Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada

​Parque Naciocal de Garajonay

​Some others spanish nationals park

​Parque Nacional de Tablas de Daimiel

The total surface area of natural spaces that have some form of protection in Spain spans across more than 30 million hectares. This means almost a third of the terrestrial space and some 12 percent of the marine surface areas are protected..

How many protected
natural spaces are there
in Spain?

​Conservation status: Habitats Directive
Habitats protected in Spain under EU law are protected under the Habitats Directive. The Habitats Directive has a total of 233 habitats on its list:

​8.91% of habitats are considered to be Good

56.28% of habitats are considered to be Poor

17% of habitats are considered to be Bad

17.81% of habitats are considered to be Unknown

Species protected in Spain under EU law are protected under the Habitats Directive and under the Birds Directive. The Habitats Directive has a total of 2 500 species on its list, the Birds Directive has a total of 500 species of wild birds protected.

How many protected
natural species are there
in Spain?

​Conservation status: Habitats Directive

​18.96% of species are considered to be Good

40.59% of species are considered to be Poor

25.78% of species are considered to be Bad

14.67% of species are considered to be Unknown

​The Iberian Lynx

​The Spanish government has also taken specific measures to protect some endangered species. For example, the population of the Iberian lynx, an endangered cat species, has been significantly increased in recent years thanks to captive breeding and reintroduction programs.

​What is the Spanish environment damaged by?

​

1.Climate change: the increase in average temperature and the variation of rainfall can alter ecosystems, influencing the distribution of species, their interaction and their survival.

2. Human activities: Urbanization, intensive agriculture, livestock breeding and fishing can destroy natural habitats and reduce the availability of food and shelter for many plant and animal species. Furthermore, the use of pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals can contaminate the environment and cause damage to biodiversity.

​What is the Spanish environment damaged by?

​

3.Pollution: Industrial and transport emissions can cause air, water and soil pollution, damaging ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

4. Invasions of non-local species: The introduction of non-native plant and animal species can have a negative impact on local biodiversity, competing with native species for food, space and resources.

​Spanish commitment to environmental protection

Spanish environment is a precious natural heritage. This plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, contributing to climate regulation, the water cycle, soil fertilization. Environment and biodiversity is therefore essential for the health of the planet and humans. Spain is actively engaging in the protection of nature and biodiversity through a series of measures as:

- national laws

- international treaties

-protection programs of environmental areas

Environmental policy: Strategic Sustainable Development Strategy

Spain is a country with a growing level of awareness towards environmental protection. The concern for searching for a sustainable development model, which is compatible with its economic activity and rational use of resources with environmental conservation, materialised into the Strategic Sustainable Development Strategy for Spain, approved in 2007.

Environmental policy: Spanish Constitution

On 8 February 2022, the amendments to articles 9 and 41 of the Constitution were approved, which introduce:

the protection of the environment, biodiversity and animals among the fundamental principles of the Constitutional Charter.

A noteworthy aspect is Spain’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development approved by the UN in 2015, which incorporates aspects directly related with the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, reducing pollution, defending the environment and the fight against climate change.

​Environmental policy: Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) 2030 by UN

In Spain, there are several environmental certifications used to promote sustainable practices in agriculture, fishing, energy, and forest management. Some of the main environmental certifications used in Spain include:

-Organic certification

-Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification

-Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification

-GlobalGAP certification

These guarantee an environmental friendly method.

​Environmental policy: certifications

UNESCO PROGRAMME

Within the UNESCO programme, Spain stands out for its 53 spaces that have been declared Biosphere Reserves, its 15 geoparks and its four national parks listed as World Heritage sites (Doñana, Teide, Garajonay and Monte Perdido).

THANK YOU!

Referances

​https://www.spain.info/en/discover-spain/spain-nature-data/
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/arti
cle/spain

https://biodiversity.europa.eu/countries/spain