Discourse on Environmental Interlinking: Collaborative Efforts to Bolster Ecological Networks Across Spain, June 27, 2025
In a significant stride towards environmental conservation, the first national dialogues on ecological connectivity were held at the Catholic University of Ávila from June 27 to July 1, 2025. This landmark event was organised by the Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, CSIC-EEZA, and the Spanish National Committee, with support from various organisations and funding from the Chair managed by the Spanish Committee of the website.
The discussions were part of the MEDCONECTA project, a pioneering initiative led by Med and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) - Experimental Station of Arid Zones (EEZA). The project aims to identify potential green corridors in the arid arc of southeastern Spain, focusing on improving spatial continuity of green infrastructure.
The current phase of the MEDCONECTA project focuses on defining Nature-based Solutions to enhance ecological connectivity, with special attention to Natura 2000 sites and surrounding areas. Over 40 experts from 25 institutions, including regional governments, environmental organizations, research centres, and representatives from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), attended the event.
The MEDCONECTA project is funded by the Fundación Biodiversidad of MITECO under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), financed by the European Union - NextGenerationEU. The project aligns with the National Strategy for Green Infrastructure, Ecological Connectivity, and Restoration, as well as with the regional plans currently under development.
The event directly contributes to achieving Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to conserve 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems through well-connected, equitably managed, and representative systems. Improving coordination among public administration departments involved in spatial planning was identified as a priority.
During the workshop, participants received practical training on the spatial continuity algorithm developed within the MEDCONECTA project and discussed potential interventions applicable in the territory. The sessions highlighted the need to harmonize technical and regulatory criteria at the national level to effectively guide policies and actions related to land management.
The objectives of ecological connectivity projects, such as MEDCONECTA, include restoration of habitats, conservation of biodiversity, adaptation to climate change, and community engagement. Strategies for improving connectivity include habitat restoration, corridor creation, promoting sustainable land use, and monitoring and research.
Arid regions, like those in southeastern Spain, face unique challenges due to their fragile ecosystems. Improving ecological connectivity in these areas can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and support the long-term survival of native species. Participants agreed to work in the coming months on the development of a technical recommendations document to facilitate coordinated progress in these areas.
Carla Danelutti, Programme Coordinator at the Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, highlighted the quality of the exchanges and the strong commitment shown by participants. The event aimed to build a shared vision on how to address ecological connectivity from an integrated and coherent perspective. Advancing knowledge and management of fluvial, coastal, marine, and urban connectivity-areas that remain underdeveloped in many environmental strategies was also prioritized.
As the MEDCONECTA project progresses, it is expected to provide valuable insights into the challenges and solutions for enhancing ecological connectivity in arid regions, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity and the resilience of the territory and the well-being of people.
- The MEDCONECTA project, supported by the Fundación Biodiversidad of MITECO, focuses on identifying Nature-based Solutions to enhance ecological connectivity, particularly in protected areas like Natura 2000 sites.
- The discussions at the national dialogues on ecological connectivity aimed to build a shared vision on how to address ecological connectivity from an integrated and coherent perspective, including the enhancement of green infrastructure.
- The objectives of ecological connectivity projects, such as MEDCONECTA, align with the National Strategy for Green Infrastructure, Ecological Connectivity, and Restoration, with the goal of conserving 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, improving biodiversity, and supporting climate change adaptation.
- Improving ecological connectivity in arid regions like southeastern Spain can support the long-term survival of native species, promote sustainable land use, and contribute to community health-and-wellness and environmental-science, as participants agreed to work on a technical recommendations document in the coming months.
