To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Park, the II International Congress of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This global meeting for sustainable development and conservation has been presented in Granada.
The Minister of Sustainability and Environment of the Government of Andalusia, Catalina García, presented today in Granada the II International Congress of the Sierra Nevada Mountainswhich will be held from November 7 to 9.
In this way, the National and Natural Park of Sierra Nevada will be the meeting point for experts from numerous countries, researchers and professionals of ecotourism and environmental conservation, with the aim of addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by mountainous areas in a context of climate change and a growing demand for responsible tourism.
Furthermore, he stressed that the celebration of this congress coincides with the 25th anniversary of the declaration of Sierra Nevada as a National Park. “The II International Congress of the Mountains of Sierra Nevada is, without a doubt, a milestone in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the declaration of this space as a National Parka recognition that underlines its value as a natural treasure and its crucial role in the fight against climate change and sustainable development with local communities.”
The II International Congress of the Mountains of Sierra Nevada It also stands out for the leading role that the National Park plays in the conservation of biodiversity. “Sierra Nevada is a world reference in the protection of high mountain ecosystems, where combine the preservation of its unique biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable development“, he said, to which he added: “This congress will highlight the natural wealth of the park, but also the actions that are being carried out to mitigate the effects of climate change in these very sensitive areas.”
In fact, he recalled that the Parque is part of the Green List after renewing its membership this year to this accredited list, in recognition of compliance with the standards established by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Nature.
Sierra Nevadawith an area of 172,238 hectares, of which 85,883 correspond to the National Park, It is home to an enormous diversity of flora and fauna. Among the most emblematic species, the bearded vulture stands out, which is being reintroduced to the park with the collaboration of the Vulture Conservation Foundation, in a pioneering effort to return this majestic vulture to its natural habitat. The congress, precisely, will address the challenges of conserving endangered species like this one, as well as strategies for the sustainable management of natural resources.
In addition to the presentations, the program includes various field activities, such as visits to Camarate and Laguna del Padul, which will allow participants to get up close and personal with these unique places, where events have been carried out. important conservation projects. In particular, Laguna del Padul, designated as a Ramsar site (the prestigious list that includes the most relevant wetlands in the world), is a key wetland for the conservation of waterfowl.
Ecotourism in Sierra Nevada
The counselor has also highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism in Sierra Nevada: “Responsible tourism is one of the keys to guaranteeing that future generations can enjoy these natural spaces in all their splendor, without compromising their conservation.” In this sense, the Sierra Nevada National and Natural Park has been a pioneer in the implementation of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, which seeks to make tourist activity compatible with environmental protection.
“The congress will offer the opportunity to share good practices and experiences in this area, from ecotourism projects to local development initiatives based on sustainability”, he added.
During the three days of the congress, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in round tables on topics such as the importance of environmental education for visitors and local communities, the use of technology to monitor ecosystemshigh mountain livestock farming, the risks of mountain sports, the fundamental role of the network of botanical gardens in Andalusia and the role of mountain biosphere reserves in global conservation, among other issues.
These debates will be attended by international experts and representatives of national parks in South Americawhich will provide a global perspective on the management of protected areas.
Finally, Catalina García wanted to highlight the support of various institutions and companies that make this event possible: “This congress would not be possible without the collaboration of entities such as the Autonomous Organization of National Parks, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves and other institutions, such as Cetursa or professional associationscommitted to the preservation of our natural heritage”.
On the occasion of the celebration of 25 years since the Sierra Nevada was declared a National Park, an interesting event will be held between November 7 and 9, in which such important topics as sustainability of parks, ecotourism and responsible tourism and much more.