Andorra Validates Agreement for First National Park in Canillo and Ordino Valleys

Andorra's government, together with the communes of Canillo and Ordino, has validated an agreement to advance the creation of the Principality's first national natural park, **Parc Natural Nacional de les Valls de Canillo i Ordino**. Environment, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Guillem Casal confirmed the official name during a press conference following Wednesday's Council of Ministers meeting, with an edict published that afternoon in the *Butlletí Oficial del Principat d’Andorra* (BOPA). The edict launches the administrative process, publishes the technical memorandum and begins a two-month public consultation ending 14 July, with materials available on a project website.

Spanning 77.56 square kilometres—16.57% of Andorra's territory—the park covers only communal public land. It incorporates existing protected areas such as Parc Natural del Comapedrosa, Parc Natural de Sorteny and the UNESCO-listed Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, while protecting sensitive sites including Juclà lake and its refuge. The boundaries extend from Coll d’Ordino and Pic de Casamanya through Vall de Sorteny, Mereig, Montaup, Vall del Riu, Vall dels Meners, Pic de la Serrera, Coma de Ransol, Vall d’Incles, Clots de l’Os, Clots de Massat, Ortafà and Goter.

Provisional protection applies from Thursday, barring activities that could substantially change the area's physical or biological conditions, such as new ski pistes. Casal described the initiative as a structural pillar for Andorra's model amid debates on growth limits, arguing it secures economic and social prospects, national identity and quality of life. He highlighted prior engagement with over 100 people and groups, plus close collaboration with Canillo consuls Jordi Alcobé and Marc Casal, and Ordino's Mar Coma and Eduard Betriu.

The technical memorandum assesses the zone's physical, ecological and socioeconomic features, outlines development guidelines and supports national park status. It proposes zoning for moderate-use areas with authorised activities, restricted zones for fragile features, strict reserves with limited human impact and special-use zones, to be detailed in the management plan.

After consultation, the government will seek a binding report from the National Biodiversity Strategy Coordination Commission (CENBA), then table a declaration bill in the Consell General by late July or early August. Approval would establish governance bodies, with the rector management plan targeted for late 2026 or early 2027, before the legislative term ends.

Casal addressed costs, noting communes and the ministry already handle maintenance, with modest increases offset by better ecological oversight and public engagement. No private land, visitor bans or major infrastructure are involved. The park will expand protected areas to 144.81 square kilometres, or 30.94% of Andorra's surface—nearly double current coverage.