Andorra's Cenba commission has given the green light to its first national natural park in the Canillo and

The Cenba commission has approved Andorra's first national natural park in the Canillo and Ordino valleys, advancing the project to its final legislative stage before the Consell General.

On Thursday, the coordination and development commission for the national biodiversity strategy (Cenba) released a favourable report affirming the national interest of the Parc Natural Nacional de les Valls de Canillo i Ordino. This milestone, mandated by the Natural Environment Conservation, Biodiversity and Landscape Act, came after a public consultation period ended without objections, alongside prior agreements with the communes of Canillo and Ordino. The move reflects broad institutional support for the initiative.

Covering 88.35 square kilometres—equivalent to 17.68% of Andorra's territory—the park will protect essential ecological, landscape and water assets. Highlights include Estany de Juclà, the Principality's biggest natural lake; the Basses del Siscaró wetlands with their unique meanders; the well-preserved mature forest at Coll d’Ordino; high-elevation habitats for the climate-threatened rock ptarmigan; and the botanically rich calcicole flora of Sorteny.

Approval will expand Andorra's protected lands to 144.81 square kilometres, reaching 29.74% of the total area. The park will enhance connectivity with other Pyrenean reserves and round out the national system, including the Parc Natural de la Vall de Sorteny, Parc Natural Comunal de les Valls del Comapedrosa, and the UNESCO-recognised Vall del Madriu-Perafita-Claror.

The proposal now awaits a declaration law from the Consell General. Enactment will lead to the establishment of governing structures and a detailed management plan for conservation and public use.