Sierra de las Nieves National Park marks five years with €25 million investments and rising fire risk

Spain’s Sierra de las Nieves was declared a national park on 1 July 2021, joining only 16 protected spaces in the country. Over the past five years, authorities have invested €25.74 million, primarily €16.5 million from the Andalusian government, in conservation work, new infrastructure and sustainable tourism.

Key projects include a new visitor centre at Conejeras costing more than €4 million, a forest‑restoration plan in Istán, and initiatives to boost local tourism while protecting the unique pinsapo forest. Park director Rafael Haro warns that climate change and the increasing danger of large wildfires threaten the area, emphasizing the need for adequate staffing and careful management.

The park’s development aims to balance ecological preservation with socio‑economic benefits for surrounding municipalities, positioning Sierra de las Nieves as a flagship of Mediterranean conservation.