Andorra Creates First National Park in Valls de Canillo i Ordino

The Andorran government has presented a bill declaring the Valls de Canillo i Ordino national natural park, the country's first at a national level, raising protected territory to 30.94% of the total land area.

Environment, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Guillem Casal stressed that protection measures should focus on quality rather than fixed numerical targets, though the executive remains committed to surpassing the 30% goal outlined in its electoral programme. He indicated this milestone could be reached before the current legislative term ends, noting that one parish has an advanced project expected to progress soon.

When asked about the Pessons area in Encamp, Casal pointed to the strong relationship with the local council and the outgoing mayor's sensitivity to land safeguards. Encamp, one of Andorra's largest parishes, currently protects only the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley. Casal commended Laura Mas for revising the ski domain concession to exclude the Pessons glacial cirque, describing it as unthinkable today to incorporate such a site into ski operations.

Casal voiced satisfaction with the Canillo and Ordino park's advancement, thanking both parishes for their immediate backing and the pre-existing legal framework. He explained that designations target areas with clear environmental, ecological, and biodiversity value, requiring careful assessment of benefits and drawbacks to avoid overburdening multiple sites. "We must protect what is truly protectable," he said, balancing essential safeguards with measured evaluation.