Andorra Parish Allocates Six Urban Garden Plots Amid 100 Applications

The Comú d’Escaldes-Engordany allocated six plots at the Can Noguer urban gardens on Tuesday, receiving about 100 applications for the limited spaces despite opening eligibility this year to residents of all ages in the parish.

Previously aimed mainly at retirees, the initiative sought to attract younger participants and offer cultivation spaces amid Andorra’s housing shortages and prevalence of compact apartments. Cònsol major Rosa Gili expressed the comú’s frustration at awarding only six plots but praised the enthusiastic response as motivation for growth. “We’ve given ourselves homework for next year,” she said, adding that officials are assessing recently acquired land for expansion, including potential collaboration with the national government on shared areas.

Under consideration are sites near the Ensucaranes mill, plots in Madriu valley, the Tom d’en Quim borda property, Solà dels Vilars, the Barri garden, and other recent holdings. Gili defended the comú’s approach to reserving land, stating that the demand justifies it. She emphasized how the gardens serve neglected age groups, fostering social bonds, nature connection, traditional farming, and mental health benefits. “Andorra offers a natural environment, yet one of small flats—and with the housing crisis, even more so,” she noted. “A plot lets people breathe, spend time outdoors in the sun,” particularly for those sharing homes, providing relaxing leisure and relief from rising stress among younger generations.

The Can Noguer site results from a concession agreement with MoraBanc for non-buildable land with restricted access, turning it into a valued social project. Gili described it as “a space of coexistence” and a chance to reconnect with the land.