Apapma Demands Halt to Alt de la Capa Viewpoint Amid 3,775-Signature Backlash

Apapma Demands Halt to Alt de la Capa Viewpoint as Petition Tops 3,700 Signatures and Street Poll Shows Unanimous Rejection

The Associació Protectora d’Animals, Plantes i Medi Ambient (Apapma) continues to press for an immediate stop to the planned scenic viewpoint at Alt de la Capa, amid growing opposition including a Change.org petition surpassing 3,700 signatures and unanimous public disapproval in a Massana street survey.

Apapma has warned against "Disneyfication" of the mountains, arguing that new structures like viewpoints risk harming landscapes, soils, biodiversity, and high-altitude ecosystems. The group calls for full environmental and economic reviews before proceeding, along with a rethink of Andorra's tourism model. It advocates trail upgrades, guided walks, environmental education, and low-impact activities over built attractions.

“Mountains are not a product. They are everyone’s natural heritage,” the organisation emphasised in its campaign.

Public sentiment echoes these concerns. An Altaveu street poll in Massana found all respondents questioning the need for the project, citing massification risks and environmental damage. Common views included: “The mountain itself is a great viewpoint,” and that high-mountain access should require effort rather than infrastructure.

The petition, launched by David Moro, has gained momentum with social media clips of the summit highlighting overcrowding dangers. Moro's effort recently crossed 3,700 signatures, up from earlier tallies above 2,000.

Despite the backlash, the Comú de la Massana has awarded the contract for €892,148.54. The 360-degree panorama viewpoint, designed for cultural and tourist events, remains on track for summer 2027 operation. Local leaders have not commented further on the opposition.