Andorra to Create First National Natural Park Before Summer

The Andorran government plans to submit a bill to parliament before the summer to establish the country's first national natural park, Environment Minister Guillem Casal has announced.

The project, described by Casal as the flagship initiative of his department, is progressing on schedule. Technical reports justifying the area's environmental value are at an advanced stage and already include proposals for permitted uses and zoning. These documents will next be shared with the parishes of Ordino and Canillo, followed by public information events in late February and early March, and a mandatory two-month public consultation period.

Once that concludes, the bill will enter parliamentary proceedings during the first half of the year. "The technical reports are quite advanced," Casal said. "We have proposals for uses, which we will pass to the parishes, and then hold communication events ahead of submitting the bill before summer."

Spanning about 15% of Andorra's territory across Ordino and Canillo, the park will double the nation's protected land area. Canillo will contribute 70% of its land, a commitment Casal praised as reflecting the parish's vision for its future. He highlighted the support from Canillo's senior councillor, Jordi Alcobé, and local team since the project's outset, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

The "national" designation stems from current legislation, which classifies parks affecting more than two parishes as national. Casal stressed this does not imply greater government intervention than in existing communal parks like Sorteny or Comapedrosa.

The 2026 budget includes an initial €150,000 allocation to begin operations, with plans to increase funding and resources progressively for both the park and the involved parishes. Casal emphasised the administration's duty to build financial and operational capacity over time.