Andorra Advances New National Natural Park Plan

Andorra's Environment, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Guillem Casal held a meeting on Thursday with former ministers from his department to present progress on the government's plan for a new national natural park.

Developed in collaboration with the parishes of Canillo and Ordino, the project aims to protect 73.69 square kilometres under a new designation. The area would extend from Coll d’Ordino and Pic de Casamanya, through Vall de Sorteny, Mereig and Montaup, to Vall del Riu and Vall dels Meners, then continue via Coma de Ransol, Vall d’Incles, Clots de l’Os, Clots de Massat, Ortafà and el Goter. Including the existing Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley—alongside protections in Comapedrosa and Sorteny parks—would raise the total protected land to 30.08% of Andorra's territory. This aligns with the national goal of 30% protection by 2030, as set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework from UN Biodiversity Conference COP15.

Participants included former ministers Jaume Serra, Olga Adellach, Jordi Mas, Bibiana Rossa and Sílvia Calvó, as well as Canillo first consul Jordi Alcobé and Ordino's Maria del Mar Coma. The discussion drew on their past experience in environmental policy, conservation and natural heritage to shape the initiative.

Casal stressed the value of their input in building institutional consensus, technical accuracy and environmental care. He described the enhanced protections as a landmark in land management and said the group aims to safeguard natural heritage through collective effort. The ministry positioned the session within its ongoing focus on dialogue, participation and openness throughout the project's stages, targeting a park that yields ecological, social and economic gains.