The Delta del Llobregat is a Wetland area and Zepa of great importance, because it houses a specific and unique biodiversity and offers various ecosystem services, so the Protection and preservation of this space is of vital importance for conservation.
The nature conservation organization has appeared for justice with the aim Defend the most extensive expansion of this protected spaceThat the person who has been proposed because they consider that it is an essential measure for its preservation.
SEO/Birdlife goes to the courts to defend the expansion of the area of special protection for birds (Zepa) of the Delta del Lloblegat, promoted by the General of Catalonia. The organization has appeared in the controversial administrative procedures submitted by the Association of Owners of the Marinada de Gavà and the Union of Farmers or CataloniaThey try to stop this extension.
You have to protect the Delta
The Delta del Llobregat is an ecosystem of Very high ecological valuehome More than 50 species of protected birds And one of the most important areas of Catalonia for the preservation of biodiversity. However, the state of preservation has been seriously influenced in recent decades as a result of urbanization, infrastructure and agricultural pressure.
Therefore the GOV/165/2024 Agreementapproved by the Generalitat in July 2024, the Zepa To guarantee the preservation of species of essential birds. Her define the Place of community interest (LIC)that will be called “Wetlands of the Llobregat Delta”Setting up a more solid and effective management framework.
«The expansion of the Zepa It is a necessary and well -founded decision that responds to the need to put the loss of biodiversity in one of the most endangered parts of the country. In this procedure we are to support your protection and to ensure that the acquired environmental rules and obligations are complied with, ”he says Cristina Sánchez, representative of the organization In Catalonia.
The EU demands to expand the Zepa
The expansion of the Zepa It is not an insulated gesture, but one Direct answer to the requirements of the European CommissionThat Spain has warned about the relegation of the Delta del Lloobregat and the violation of the Bird directive After a complaint submitted by Depana and supported by the NGO.
«As a result of the works of the Delta plan and especially the expansion of Barcelona airport, more than 300 hectares of moist areas and habitats of community and priority interests disappeared. This extension is a necessary step to correct this damage and to meet European obligations, “he emphasizes Cristina Sánchez.
Defend the Delta for justice
The NGO defends the need for expansion of the Zepa That guarantees the preservation of the delta. However, The current definition remains insufficient to be excluded from the expansion of the territory for urban and economic reasons. «In fact, the protected space should be even greater because some sectors are excluded without environmental or ecological justification. To make the protection really effective, it is necessary to get the entire surface of the Delta del Lobregat in the Zepa, as established by scientific criteriaS “, duck Cristina Sánchez.
The organization warns that if the expansion of the ZEPA was canceled by the courts, the preservation of the delta and the ecological connectivity of many species would be carried out. The organization will study All legal options To prevent any setback in the protection of this natural space.
«We can’t allow it Economic or urban interests prevail on the preservation of biodiversity. Weld Zepa Of the Natura 2000 network, it must only be defined by ornithological criteria, and not by those of economic or other interests. The Delta del Llobregat is an ecological treasure and its protection must be a priority, “he concludes Cristina Sánchez.
The Delta del Llobregat is a fundamental enclave for the food and refuge of countless species of protected birds. Among them are raptors such as the Pilgrim Falcon, El Alcotán, the Ratonero Busardo, the West -Laguenero and the Aguilucho Ash, next to the primary Cernícalo. Special Relevant is the case of the Perdicera Adlimer, who finds a key zone to hunt in the Deltaic Corridor With which he feeds his boy during the reproductive era.
Moreover, this area is the most important refuge in the Delta for Strictly protected species such as common alcaavan and European golden driverThat depend on the cultivation fields, as well as for the regular garceta and the regular hammer, which feed on the irrigation channels. The expansion of the Zepa is essential to guarantee the preservation of these habitats and to prevent the loss of biodiversity in an environment that is subject to strong human pressure.