Andorra Launches Process for First National Park in Canillo and Ordino Valleys

The Andorran government and the communes of Canillo and Ordino have launched the formal process to establish the country's first national natural park, named Parc Natural Nacional de les Valls de Canillo i Ordino. The agreement, validated this week, was published in a special edition of the Butlletí Oficial del Principat d’Andorra (BOPA), triggering a two-month public consultation period that began on Thursday and runs until 14 July.

The park will cover 77.56 square kilometres—16.57% of Andorra's territory—all of it publicly owned communal land. This addition brings the total protected area to 144.81 square kilometres, or 30.94% of the national surface, nearly doubling the current extent of existing sites including Comapedrosa, Sorteny, and Vall del Madriu-Perafita-Claror.

The protected zone stretches from Coll d’Ordino and Pic de Casamanya through Vall de Sorteny, Mereig, and Montaup, to Vall del Riu, Vall dels Meners, and Pic de la Serrera. It also encompasses Coma de Ransol, Vall d’Incles, Clots de l’Os, Clots de Massat, Ortafà, and Goter.

With the BOPA publication, the area now falls under preventive protection, barring any significant alterations to its physical or biological features. Environment Minister Guillem Casal stated that activities such as ski piste construction would not be permitted.

Casal anticipates minimal opposition following prior consultations with over 100 individuals and groups. All documentation, including the technical justification report detailing the area's ecological and socioeconomic features, is available on a dedicated website for public review and submissions.

Next steps include seeking a required report from the Comissió de Coordinació i Desenvolupament de l’Estratègia Nacional de la Biodiversitat d’Andorra (CENBA) after the consultation ends. The government plans to submit a declaration bill to the Consell General by late July or early August. If approved, the park's governance body will form, followed by development of the management plan (pla rector), targeted for early 2027.

Casal described the initiative as a strategic commitment, noting it supports international goals to protect 30% of territory while ensuring economic and social sustainability. He confirmed costs will rise modestly from current maintenance by the government and communes, without creating new administrative structures or excessive burdens. The plan will define zones for moderate, restricted, reserve, and special uses.