He Annual Work Plan 2025 for Sierra Nevada It has been approved by the Natural Space Participation Council and includes a sum of 20 million euros between aid and investments with the aim of making improvements and preserving this important area.
The Plenary Session of the Sierra Nevada Natural Space Participation Council, meeting today in Pinos Genil (Granada), has unanimously approved the 2025 Annual Work Plan, which contemplates an investment of 20 million euros for conservation, biodiversity and public usein addition to aid destined for the municipalities in the area of socioeconomic influence of the park.
The Minister of Sustainability and Environment of the Government of Andalusia, Catalina García, who is also vice-president of the Council, has participated for the first time in this plenary session in her capacity as a counselor, highlighting the strategic relevance of this protected area for Andalusia.
During her speech, Catalina García recognized and thanked the work of Manuel Titos, until now president of the Council, who announced his resignation from office during the plenary session. “Manuel Titos’ leadership has been key so that this Council is a plural, inclusive and dynamic space. Its ability to facilitate dialogue and achieve consensus has allowed progress in the management of one of the most emblematic natural spaces of our autonomous community and of Spain. I want to express my gratitude on behalf of the Andalusian Government for its commitment and dedication, which have left a deep mark on this participation body,” he stated.
Sierra Nevada Achievements
The counselor has highlighted two recent achievements that reinforce the international prestige of Sierra Nevada: the renewal of the Green List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (CETS).
Both distinctions have certified the quality of the space’s management and its commitment to sustainability and local participation. “These recognitions are a source of pride and, furthermore, an endorsement of the collective work of all those who contribute to the maintenance and development of this natural spacefrom administrations to social and economic agents,” he added.
The 2025 Annual Work Plan, approved in the session, foresees a total investment of 19.4 million euros, of which 6.2 million will be allocated to forestry work, 5.9 million to public use and general services, and 1 .5 million to projects related to biodiversity and global change.
In addition, the item for personnel amounts to 4.9 million euros, reflecting an increase of 14% compared to the previous year. These figures are completed with subsidies; of which, the ordinary ones have granted 561,000 euros to 32 municipalities to actions regarding the dissemination of natural values to be developed until the end of the year and those derived from the funds of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), which will materialize next year.
Biosphere Reserve
In plenary session, Catalina García reported that the Department of Sustainability and Environment is completing the work of expanding and rezoning the Biosphere Reserve. Thus, he recalled that the process began in 2023, at the request of UNESCO, to expand the Biosphere Reserve to the entire surface of the municipal terms that contribute territory to the Park. In this sense, he regretted the difficulties encountered for said expansion.
“Despite the obvious benefits and the absence of negative implications, some councils have chosen not to support this expansion. However, from the Junta de Andalucía we have decided to present a psubstantiated proposal to UNESCOconvinced that this step is crucial for the sustainable development of the entire surface that will be a Biosphere Reserve in the future,” he noted.
The counselor has also congratulated the management team of the Natural Space for the success of the second edition of the International Mountain Congress, CIMAS II, held this year as part of the activities of the 25th anniversary of the declaration of the Sierra Nevada National Park. This event brought together nearly 400 participants and 70 speakers who discussed key topics such as climate change, public use in natural spaces, conservation of the bearded vulture and high mountain livestock farming. “CIMAS II has reinforced the role of Sierra Nevada as a benchmark in research and sustainable management of protected areas at an international level,” he stressed.
Another of the highlights of the session was the ongoing application for the European Diploma for Sierra Nevada, a distinction granted by the Council of Europe to those protected areas that stand out for their excellence in management and conservation. The counselor has reported that the audit necessary for this accreditation has already been completed and the final resolution is awaited. “This diploma would be a new recognition of the collective effort to maintain and improve the ecological values of Sierra Nevada,” he commented.
Sierra Nevada and sustainability
In closing, Catalina García expressed her congratulations on the achievements obtained during the last year and reiterated the commitment of the Government of Andalusia to the sustainable management of protected spaces: “Sierra Nevada is an emblem of our biodiversity and, also, a driving force for the surrounding municipalities. Our commitment remains firm to guarantee that these spaces continue to be a source of environmental, social and economic wealth.”
Among the most symbolic news of the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the National Park, it has been announced that on December 26 a ONCE coupon dedicated to this anniversarywhose draw will be held on January 9.
Catalina García concluded by stating that this plenary session has reaffirmed the importance of Sierra Nevada as symbol of conservation and sustainability: “It is our responsibility to continue working to guarantee its preservation and, at the same time, promote its role as a reference for sustainable development for Andalusia and the world.”
The idea is that Sierra Nevada is not only a protected natural space, but that its special characteristics are disseminated, so that, within the necessary preservation and sustainability managementspread as a tourist destination.