Catalina García destaca a habitantes de parques naturales como impulsores del desarrollo rural.
The Minister of Sustainability and Environment, Catalina García, has closed the presentation of the documentary series ‘The Force of the Natural Parks of Andalusia‘, a production that focuses on those who inhabit and care for these territories, making them protagonists of development and conservation. The event took place at the headquarters of Radio and Television of Andalusia (RTVA) in Seville and was attended by institutional leaders, representatives from the audiovisual sector, and regional government officials.
During her speech, the Minister emphasized that the natural parks «are spaces of high ecological value and also home to thousands of people who have historically lived in harmony with the environment and have now become drivers of sustainability and the future of their territories.» In this sense, she highlighted that the documentary series «visibilizes the intimate relationship between the conservation of the natural environment and socio-economic development, a fundamental balance that we are strongly promoting from the Andalusian Government.»
‘The Force of the Natural Parks of Andalusia’, produced by Filmaterra and RTVA, explores different protected areas showing recovered trades, artisanal and natural products, sustainable tourism activities, environmental agents in action, and accommodations committed to the environment. In the words of the Minister, «this series reminds us that protecting the natural environment is also protecting the ways of life that have made it possible.»
In this regard, Catalina García defended that this development model has a tangible reflection in initiatives such as the ‘Natural Park of Andalusia‘ brand, a quality label that groups together over 1,800 products and services and «represents the excellence of authenticity, the commitment of our companies to the environment, and the talent of those who care for our natural and cultural heritage.»
She stated, «We have conceived this brand as a transformative tool that allows those living in protected areas to find new opportunities without giving up on preserving what surrounds them.» Additionally, she noted that the regional government has developed a new digital platform that makes it easy to locate certified companies, facilitating their connection with consumers and the market.
At this point, she emphasized that there are already over 170 companies affiliated with the label and assured that «we will continue to invest in this approach as a strategy to sustain population, generate green economy, and promote sustainable entrepreneurship.»
Aids for the areas of influence of the national parks
The Minister also recalled the approval of the new regulatory bases for subsidies aimed at the socio-economic influence areas of the national parks of Doñana, Sierra Nevada, and Sierra de las Nieves, endowed with one million euros, with which «we want to ensure that the protection of the natural environment is compatible with the progress and well-being of local communities.» This amount adds to another 13.5 million already allocated to green job creation and biodiversity conservation for the 62 municipalities located in the national parks.
These aids will benefit projects related to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, nature tourism, infrastructure improvement, and training for sustainable management of these areas. «We have opted for a territorial cohesion policy that is based on creating opportunities from the environment, without the need to give it up,» she stated.
A network of natural spaces of reference in Europe
During her speech, Catalina García highlighted the importance of the network of protected natural areas in Andalusia, composed of 365 enclaves that cover a third of the Andalusian territory. «We are the autonomous community with the most protected land in Spain, 2.9 million hectares, and with the highest number of natural parks, up to 24, among which are some of the largest in the country such as the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura, and Las Villas. And notably, we host over 50% of the wetland area in our country, despite being a dry region,» she pointed out.
Likewise, she emphasized that Andalusia has more protected area in the Natura 2000 Network than 16 European Union countries and is the peninsular region with the largest area of national parks, with over 163,000 hectares distributed among Doñana, Sierra Nevada, and Sierra de las Nieves. «This natural wealth places us on the international map and demands that we rise to the occasion in protection, management, and also in dissemination,» she declared.
Commitment to communication and awareness
The Minister concluded by highlighting the role that public media play in environmental awareness and education. «We need to tell these stories, raise awareness, and RTVA is a strategic ally to convey this message to every corner of Andalusia,» she asserted.
«From the Ministry, we will continue working so that our natural spaces remain a source of life, employment, and collective pride. And we will always do so with people inside, never just as a backdrop,» she stated.
Accompanying the Minister at the event were: the Deputy Minister, Sergio Arjona; the Secretary General of Environment and Climate Change, María López Sanchís; the General Manager of the Andalusian Agency of Environment and Water, Javier de Torre; the Director General of Protected Natural Spaces, José Enrique Borrallo; the Director General of Forestry Policy and Biodiversity, Juan Ramón Pérez Valenzuela; the Territorial Delegate in Seville, Inmaculada Gallardo; and the Executive Producer of Filmaterra, Victoria Cabrera. Also present were the Director General of RTVA, Juan de Dios Mellado; the Director of Innovation, Business, and Communication, Juan Vargas; and the co-director of the series, Conchita Endrino, among other authorities.
