Andorra Approves First National Park Covering 18.9% of Territory

Andorra's government has approved legislation for the principality's first national natural park in the Canillo and Ordino valleys, with the bill now entering parliamentary proceedings. The measure protects 8,834 hectares—18.88% of national territory—raising the overall protected area to 30.94%.

Environment, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Guillem Casal introduced the project on Thursday, describing it as a key step toward securing more than 30% of Andorra's land under protection. The initiative builds on a June 2025 memorandum of understanding and fulfills obligations from a law enacted eight years ago. If parliament advances on schedule, approval could come before Christmas.

The zone spans 7,224 hectares in Canillo and 1,611 in Ordino. Funding will flow through a public-private foundation, with the government committing at least 50 euros per hectare annually from 2027—around 440,000 euros—plus an initial 100,000-euro allocation this year and 50,000 euros for startup costs, subject to legislative approval. Parishes will match contributions, allocated 25% to Canillo projects, 25% to Ordino and 50% by acreage share.

Governance features an eight-member steering board—three representatives each from the parishes and two from government—with rotating annual presidencies between the mayors and the minister as vice-president. Joint directors, one per parish, will handle operations, supported by a civil society consultative council and technical secretariat.

Within one year of approval, a six-year management plan must outline four zones: moderate use, restricted use, reserve and special use. It will set activity limits, visitor caps, bans and penalties. Traditional practices like grazing, farming, hunting and fishing remain allowed if compatible with protection goals. Prohibitions cover disruptive infrastructure such as new roads, ski domains, cable cars or tourist facilities that threaten ecosystems.

Canillo mayor Jordi Alcobé called it a chance to formalize an existing space, blending Canillo's land contributions with Ordino's expertise to enhance family and mountain tourism. Ordino mayor Maria del Mar Coma emphasized better territory management over restrictions, drawing on over two decades of experience from the Sorteny natural park, now integrated into the new site.

Parishes retain planning powers via the board, focusing on fire prevention, native species and waterways. The bill arises from a 2025 government-parish agreement backed by the CENBA environmental body, with parliament, foundation rules and setup as next priorities.