Andorra la Vella Launches €700K Green Impulse Programme to Boost Urban Greenery and Climate Resilience

Andorra la Vella council has launched the Green Impulse Programme (PIV), allocating close to €700,000 for 2026 to expand urban greenery, shaded areas and climate refuges across the parish.

The programme relies on public-private partnerships, with the council directing and implementing projects while encouraging businesses and individuals to cover full or partial costs. If private funding falls short, the council will step in with its budgeted funds. Sponsors will receive institutional recognition, reputational benefits and full transparency in project oversight.

Cònsol Major Sergi González highlighted the parish's "grey" urban core despite its surrounding forests, citing physical barriers that prevent nature from extending into central areas. Over the past two and a half years, the administration has focused on practical climate adaptation measures to enhance resident quality of life and economic viability. "It's not about adding greenery just for photos, but ensuring functionality, climate readiness and sustainable living," González said.

Councillor for Public Services, Environment and Natural Heritage Jordi Cabanes detailed the planned initiatives, several of which are underway or nearly complete:

- €100,000 for trees and gardens at Plaça Bartumeu Rebés Duran, tied to current renovations. - €100,000 at Comella picnic area for native species, leisure structures and playgrounds. - €166,000 at Prat Condal park for improved landscaping, additional trees, new furniture and children's areas. - €100,000 to add vegetation in Passatges Aigüeta and Europa, adjacent to MoraBanc headquarters. - €15,000 per module for climate shelters featuring shaded benches in vegetation-scarce urban spots, with sites still under review. - Nearly finished enhancements on Baixada del Molí and Prada Motxilla streets, each at €50,000 with extra planting. - €80,000 per section to remove concrete and renaturalise Passeig del Torrent in Comella. - Two micro-forests on Avinguda Meritxell's pedestrian zones as heat refuges: one at the Pau Casals intersection facing the former Escale shopping centre (now Centre Comercial Andorrà), and another at the Josep Rossell Calva corner by Yomo Hotel Cèntric, each budgeted at €25,000. - €50,000 for Passeig del Riu from Madrid bridge to Santa Coloma, including irrigation upgrades for roadside trees and better leisure spaces.

No private commitments are finalised, but González noted interest from companies after initial presentations. "This is the launch point," he said, expressing optimism for annual PIV renewals to build long-term resilience against heatwaves and climate shifts.