The Western Catalan Pre-Pyrenees extends over 140,000 ha between the high mountain area of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean area of the Plain of Lleida. It hosts a wealth of plant life, a remarkable diversity of ungulates and is the only breeding site on the continent for all four species of European vultures. This biodiversity hotspot is threatened by a lack of a shared vision for the area and limited socio-economic opportunities. The project will assess the viability of recovering key natural processes which are absent or highly influenced by human intervention, such as hydrological dynamics and large vertebrate-driven processes. It will also consider the social and economic benefits of natural grazing to reduce the risk of wildfires, as well as opportunities for recreation and ecotourism. It will conduct a communications campaign to raise the profile and build support for the initiative whilst bringing together key partners from across the sectors and local communities to develop a restoration plan.
Project funded by Endangered Landscapes and Seascapes Programme
