Minister of Durability and Environment Junta de Andalucia, Catalina García visited Working to improve various public use facilities in the Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve in Sierra de Grazalema, a natural space in which a total of 968,910 euros in different actions that include municipalities in Cádiz in Benaocaz, Grazalema, and Villaluenga del Rosario. «With these works, we continue to bet on the magnificent Protected natural areas that Andalusia has. Some works that, in addition to preserving and safeguarding the rich heritage, are also an important economic resource for many regions, as they serve the function of establishing population in the territory.
Catalina García visited the works with the mayor of Grazalema, Carlos Javier García; Vice Minister of Durability and Environment, Sergio Arjona; Delegate of the Junta de Andalucía of the government of Cádiz, Mercedes Colombo; General Director of Protected Natural Spaces, José Enrique Borrallo, and the territorial delegate of sustainability and the environment of Cádiz, Oscar Curido, among other authorities.
The works, which began in May of last year and are funded through nex generation funds, are mainly focused on cleaning, cutting, accessories, route adaptation, pavement, installation of metal structures, signage, enclosures, and installation of rural furniture such as rustic grills, among others.
During the visit to Mirador del Puerto Boyar in Grazalema, where the sidewalk was improved, the fence was replaced, and a flying platform was raised that extends the viewing area. They also acted on the parking area and its access, as well as on the path that connects the parking lot with the viewpoint.
The rest of the spaces where they are working and whose work will be completed by the end of this month are Vinculante Viewer and Agua Nueva in Benaoaz; the Recreation Area of Las Cabesuelas in Villaluenga del Rosario and in Llanos de Rabel, in Grazalema.
The councilor mentioned the «rich biodiversity concentrated in these natural spaces» and the importance of protecting them. «Half a million Andalusians live in these areas, who have projects, who want to live where they have always lived, and who want to leave to their children and grandchildren,» he added.
Therefore, he emphasized the importance of the protection figure of the Biosphere Reserve. «This figure guarantees the preservation, protection, and care of nature, always with the human factor. Because it has always been considered that environmental protection and socioeconomic development must go hand in hand,» he added.
He also stressed that «the commitment of the Andalusian government to the green revolution led by Andalusia in the country is unwavering.» To which he added: «The care and protection of natural heritage is a commitment to the environment through conservation, enjoyment, and use of resources.»
40 years of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park
Catalina García also presented the logo of the commemorative events that will take place throughout 2025 on the occasion of those 40 years since the declaration of Sierra de Grazalema Park and this is the protagonist Pinsapo, one of the great emblems of the park. Among the planned activities, she analyzed: «The celebration of a commemorative event in a municipality of the province of Cádiz, in which recognition will be given to individuals related to the Natural Park.»
The declaration of Sierra de Grazalema as a natural park took place in 1985 and was the first in our autonomous community. During the forty-year journey, the territory has experienced significant tourism, agri-foods, and cultural development, and has an endless variety of animal and plant species that have found an opportunity for their survival.
Great efforts to maintain one of our emblematic trees, Pinsapo Fir (Abies Pinsapo Boiss). have paid off. In addition, many other species and habitats were, in turn, the subject of conservation programs. Its current area reaches 53,411 hectares and covers territories of fifteen municipalities, nine in Cádiz and six in Málaga, making it today one of the most popular natural parks visited by the entire population.
New industrial park in Grazalema
On the other hand, the Minister of Sustainability and Environment emphasized the importance of the strategic environmental declaration for Changing POGO Point to an industrial park in the municipality of Grazalema. This resolution, published in the Official Gazette of the Junta de Andalucía (Boja), responds to a historic declaration of the municipality and implies a key advancement for the socio-economic development of the area, while ensuring its natural protection.
He just pointed out that the project is part of the Andalusian government’s strategy of Economic growth compatible with environmental conservation, offering new opportunities for municipalities located in protected natural areas. «The specific change in urban planning allows the development of this industrial land in accordance with strict environmental criteria, ensuring that the activities implemented are sustainable and respectful of local biodiversity,» he continued.
With this measure, he concluded, the Board reaffirms its commitment to the economic revitalization of the rural environment, facilitating job creation and settlement of the population, without compromising the environmental values that make Grazalema a unique enclave in Andalusia.