Catalonia's Natural Resources and Environmental Concerns

Natural Resources in Catalonia

Natural resources are goods from nature that society uses to meet human needs. Key resources include:

• Mineral Resources: Catalonia is relatively poor in minerals like coal, oil, and potassium salt.
• Industrial Rocks: Good production of materials such as sand and rocks for construction (bricks, tiles, etc.).
• Soil: Vulnerable to destruction, used for biomass production and forage. It plays a crucial role in water infiltration, regulating the hydrological regime, and providing habitat for wildlife.
• Vegetation: Forest stands exhibit significant variation and are an important ecological and scenic resource. Few mature forests remain; those that are exploited still possess valuable flora and fauna.
• Water (L'aigua): An indispensable resource. In Catalonia, it is scarce, irregularly distributed, and difficult to access. The hydrographic network consists of rivers from the Pyrenean slopes and the Ebro-eastern slope. Water supplies come from Pyrenean rivers, groundwater, and surface water.

Catalonia established a plan in 1985 to conserve nature within its natural heritage (the set of natural assets common to society, such as forests, land, and marine fauna) and biodiversity.

Protected areas include:

• National parks
• Nature reserves
• Natural parks
• Marine reserves

Economic Activities and Environmental Impact

Environmental Impact Definition

Environmental impact refers to the change in the initial conditions of the environment caused by a project, work, or activity. Impacts can vary in intensity:

• Moderate: Recovery to initial conditions is possible over time.
• Severe: Returning to initial conditions requires protective measures.
• Critical: Produces irreversible loss.

Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment involves collecting, purifying, and evacuating water after human use. The treatment process focuses on eliminating pollutants introduced during its use.

Energy Production and Consumption

Energy is required for any action resulting in change (e.g., movement, temperature change). In Catalonia, electricity is primarily generated internally via power plants:

• Nuclear: 80%
• Hydroelectric: 15%
• Conventional Thermal: 5%

Catalonia is energy-dependent, producing only 32% of its needs.

Renewable energy sources used (accounting for 2.4%) include:

• Hydroelectric
• Wind
• Solar
• Biomass

Waste Management

The Waste Agency (Agència de Residus) is the administrative body responsible for controlling and managing waste in Catalan territory. Waste is classified as:

• Special: Hazardous (toxic or flammable).
• Inert: Does not significantly affect the environment.
• Non-special: Other types of waste.