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Preservation and sustainable management of the natural areas of Tossa Plana-Puigpedrós de Lles and Tossals d’Isòvol-Olopte

The sites of natural interest of Tossa Plana de Lles and Puigpedrós and Tossals d’Isòvol and Olopte cover an area rich in freshwater ecosystems, glacial basins, and steppe sections. Located in the high mountains, they stand out for their ecological importance and the variety of uses that take place there. This region is not only a key destination for activities such as Nordic skiing, hiking, and mountain tourism but also supports local traditions such as livestock farming, hunting, and forestry. The strong human and tourist impact has led to issues such as erosion, overuse of trails, and habitat degradation, particularly in critical areas like those of the rock ptarmigan.

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Summer
Lake Area Text

Lake area of La Muga, in Tossa Plana de Lles.

With the support of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the KJF aims to actively intervene in this area by implementing adaptive management that integrates renaturalization and trail restoration measures, as well as research, education, and citizen participation initiatives.

KEY PURPOSES

Through this initiative, the aim is to transform the management of a high-value area, highlighting both the importance of its natural heritage and the key role it plays in the cultural and economic identity of the region.

General Objectives of the Project

  • Regulate the balance between public use and conservation.
  • Improve knowledge about the conservation targets of the area.
  • Implement active management measures to reverse biodiversity loss.
  • Create a cross-cutting communication campaign on management, natural values, and best practices in the area.
  • Develop volunteer actions to enhance the management of natural spaces.
  • Facilitate knowledge transfer between managers and researchers.
  • Raise awareness among the local population about the natural values of the area.
  • Engage the business and social sectors in the management of the sites of natural interests of Tossa Plana de Lles – Puigpedrós and Tossals d’Isòvol and Olopte.
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Estany Calm Colomer - Hivern
Lake Calm Colomer – Winter
Estany Calm Colomer - Estiu
Lake Calm Colomer – Summer
Salt de la Truita - Hivern
Salt de la Truita – Winter
Salt de la Truita - Estiu
Salt de la Truita – Summer
Estany Gran de la Pera - Hivern
Lake Gran de la Pera – Winter
Estany Gran de la Pera - Estiu
Lake Gran de la Pera – Summer

Images by Núria Burgada

Actions

Trail Conservation

  • Diagnosis: Map and analyze both official and unofficial trails to identify damaged areas and critical zones.
  • Renaturalization: Restrict access to unofficial trails in sensitive areas using natural barriers and measures to prevent the formation of new undesired routes.
  • Restoration: Improve accessibility and signage of main trails to channel traffic onto a single well-defined path, reducing the impact on key habitats such as that of the rock ptarmigan.

Education and Dissemination

  • Project dissemination: Explain the management of natural spaces in an accessible way, highlighting the most relevant values and actions of the project.
  • Knowledge exchange: Organize meetings between scientists, managers, and the public to create a database on the state of nature in the region.
  • Business participation: Set up working groups with the business sector to enhance environmental training and safety in natural spaces.

Research on Species and Ecosystems

  • Protection of the rock ptarmigan: Collaborate with experts to delineate critical areas and prevent human interference in sensitive zones.
  • Reptile monitoring: In collaboration with the Catalan Society of Herpetology, study species including the Pyrenean lizard, the rock lizard, and the ocellated lizard to understand the impacts of climate change on local fauna.
  • Freshwater ecosystems: Work with the CSIC-CEAB to diagnose the state of high mountain ponds and their biodiversity.

Volunteer Actions

  • Trail Restoration: Through the Restore the Trails project, coordinate volunteer days for the maintenance and improvement of high mountain trails.
  • Practical Training: Offer workshops with professionals to teach traditional techniques and new practices in trail maintenance.
  • Value Dissemination: Highlight the importance of trail maintenance to preserve natural values and encourage commitment to the space.
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Big lake of la Muga Deciduous forest in Vall de Lles Serra del Cadí views Views from Puigpedrós Small creek in Vall de la Llosa View of Tossa Plana de Lles
Big lake of la Muga, in Zona Tossa Plana de Lles
Deciduous forest in the Vall de Lles area
Serra del Cadí views, from la Tossa Plana
Views from the peak of Puigpedrós
Small creek in the Vall de la Llosa
View of the Tossa Plana de Lles to Andorra

Images by Núria Burgada

Collaborations

To develop this project, we have established several collaborations:

  • Local stakeholders. KJF has set up collaboration protocols with the seven local entities within the project area.

  • Paisatges Vius. The area located below the 2,500-meter elevation is part of the project presented by Paisatges Vius. Therefore, a collaborative management approach will be applied to the area, leveraging all possible synergies to work in a coordinated way.

  • Sectoral administrations. KJF and Paisatges Vius will coordinate with the Cerdanya-Alt Urgell National Hunting Reserve and with the regional office of the Directorate General for Forests and Ecosystem Management.

  • Research centers. Two collaboration protocols have been established with research centers to provide advice and support in carrying out certain actions: CEAB-CSIC and the Catalan Herpetological Society.

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