Spanish Mountain Water & Ecosystem Resilience Program
Supporting Mountain Communities, Small Farms and Watershed Restoration
National Programme for Water Security and Restoration of Mountain Ecosystems in Spain
Executive Summary
Spain boasts some of Europe's most important mountain ecosystems. Mountainous areas provide water to millions of people and support agriculture, hydropower, forestry, tourism, and biodiversity.
However, climate change, prolonged droughts, wildfires, soil erosion, declining snow cover and rural depopulation are gradually reducing the ability of mountains to act as natural reservoirs.
Spanish Mountain Water & Ecosystem Resilience Programaims to restore watersheds, increase the capacity of mountains to retain water, protect forests, develop sustainable agriculture and support local communities.
Strategic goals
The program includes:
restoration of mountain forests;
increasing natural water accumulation;
protection of river basins;
restoration of degraded soils;
erosion control;
reducing the risk of forest fires;
support for mountain farms;
development of ecotourism;
strengthening the rural economy.
Main directions
1. Forest restoration
Creating sustainable mixed forests using native tree species.
Main tasks:
reforestation;
increasing biodiversity;
fire-prevention green zones;
restoration of natural habitats.
2. Water security
Development of natural water retention systems:
restoration of springs;
small mountain reservoirs;
infiltration basins;
cascades of stone dams;
restoration of wetlands;
protection of upper reaches of rivers.
3. Soil restoration
Support:
composting;
biochar applications;
restoration of organic matter;
erosion control;
increasing soil moisture capacity.
4. Sustainable agriculture
Support:
mountain farms;
pasture livestock farming;
organic farming;
gardening;
beekeeping;
agroforestry.
5. Fighting forest fires
Creation:
fire-fighting green corridors;
early warning systems;
sustainable forest landscapes;
protective forest belts.
6. Development of rural areas
The program supports:
small businesses;
cooperatives;
processing of local products;
ecotourism;
educational centers.
7. Science and innovation
Development:
climate monitoring;
hydrological research;
digital maps;
satellite surveillance;
biodiversity research.
Priority regions
The program can be implemented primarily in:
The Pyrenees;
Cantabrian Mountains;
Central system;
Iberian system;
Sierra Nevada;
Sierra Morena;
Betic Cordillera.
Expected results
Water resources
increase in fresh water accumulation;
rising groundwater levels;
protection of river basins;
reducing the risk of droughts.
Ecology
forest restoration;
reduction of erosion;
increasing biodiversity;
increasing resilience to climate change.
Economy
new jobs;
support for agriculture;
development of ecotourism;
investments in rural areas.
Social sphere
preservation of mountain villages;
support for young farmers;
development of cooperatives;
improving the quality of life.
International cooperation
The program is open for collaboration with:
government agencies of Spain;
autonomous communities;
universities;
research institutes;
agricultural cooperatives;
environmental organizations;
European programs;
international financial institutions;
partners of the initiativeAtlantic & Mediterranean Mountain Water & Ecosystem Resilience Initiative.
Long-term vision
By 2050–2100, the programme aims to create a network of resilient mountain landscapes in Spain, where forests, soils and watersheds effectively conserve water, support biodiversity and ensure sustainable rural development.
Motto
"Mountains That Sustain Life"
"Mountains that preserve water, nature and the future."
Recommendation for the general structure
Now you have a fully-fledged international architecture consisting of two complementary directions:
Atlantic & Mediterranean Coastal Water & Soil Resilience Initiative
🇲🇦 Moroccan Green Line
🇪🇸 Spanish Coastal Water & Soil Resilience Program
🇵🇹 Portuguese Coastal Water & Soil Resilience Program
Atlantic & Mediterranean Mountain Water & Ecosystem Resilience Initiative
🇲🇦 Moroccan Mountain Green Belt
🇪🇸 Spanish Mountain Water & Ecosystem Resilience Program
🇵🇹 Portuguese Mountain Water & Ecosystem Resilience Program
This division reflects the natural link between mountains (water storage and conservation) and coasts (desalination, coastal protection and coastal development), with each country receiving its own national programme within a single international initiative.