Spain's Natural Heritage: Biodiversity, Protected Areas, and Key Species

Spain's Rich Natural Heritage

Geographical Distribution of Key Regions

The diverse natural landscapes of Spain encompass a wide array of provinces and autonomous communities, including: A Coruña, Lugo, Orense, Asturias, Cantabria, Vizcaya, Guipúzcoa, Álava, Huesca, La Rioja, Navarra, Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, Tarragona, Madrid, Segovia, Burgos, and León.

Mountain Plant Species: Characteristics and Habitat

Certain mountain plant species, typically found between 1000 and 2000 meters above sea level, poorly tolerate extreme heat and cold. These species require high humidity and prefer calcareous soils, although they also adapt to both calcareous and siliceous substrates. They are primarily distributed across the Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees, with examples also found in the Cordillera Costero-Catalana, the Central System, and the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. These regions offer an Atlantic climate, perfect for their presence in specific or mixed forests, often combined with oak.

The Resilient Oak: Distribution and Adaptability

The main oak forests in Spain are located in Sierra Morena, Extremadura, and the Sierra de Guadarrama. The oak tree is the most characteristic and widespread species in these regions because it is highly resistant to summer drought in Mediterranean climates. It adapts to all types of soils and often does not require significant rainfall.

Economic and Ecological Importance of Oak

Oak wood is hard and durable, widely used for construction, furniture making, and boat building. Its strength and resistance also make it suitable for the production of wheels, carpentry tools, and charcoal. The fruit of the oak, the acorn, is essential for feeding livestock, especially pigs that graze in the traditional Spanish dehesas (meadows).

Conservation and Biodiversity in Spain

Protected Areas and Legal Framework

Spain boasts a major natural heritage in Europe, yet it also faces challenges with critically threatened and endangered species. Currently, there are more than 600 protected natural areas, covering a total area of over 3.3 million hectares, which represents 5% of Spanish territory. The Law for the Conservation of Natural Areas and Wild Flora and Fauna (formulated in 1989 and amended in 1997) classifies protected areas into different categories:

• National Parks
• Natural Parks
• Nature Reserves
• Natural Monuments
• Protected Landscapes

Key Biodiversity Protection Strategies

Measures to protect biodiversity are primarily focused on combating environmental problems such as: air, soil, and water pollution, forest fires, erosion, and the protection of wetlands. Other measures are aimed at protecting and conserving natural areas directly.

Sustainable Development and International Collaboration

At present, it is crucial to reconcile the protection of ecological values with the economic activities of local communities to promote sustainable development. The Spanish State is committed to the expansion of protected areas, the development of programs for the protection of endangered species, the promulgation of rules and laws on nature conservation, and active commitment and participation in international organizations, such as the EU's Natura 2000 Network and the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO.