Spain's Catalonia and Valencia restrict park access, demand planning reforms

The Catalan Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition will close motorised access to the Natural Parks of the Ports and Serra de Montsant from 21:00 on 11 August until 08:00 on 13 August. The closure coincides with the solar eclipse on 12 August and aims to reduce fire risk, protect wildlife and manage the expected surge of visitors. Residents living inside the massifs and people with reservations in mountain refuges will still be allowed entry, while additional rural agents, environmental informers and park guards will be deployed at key points.

Separately, the Decidim! Plataforma pel Dret a Decidir del País Valencià is calling for greater territorial sovereignty and a long‑term planning strategy for the Valencian Country. Citing recent large forest fires, the platform argues that prevention requires sustained investment, scientific‑based policies and citizen participation. It also highlights issues such as coastal hyper‑urbanisation, loss of agricultural land, depopulation, housing shortages, energy dependence, water management, flood risk and biodiversity loss, urging a comprehensive national strategy for territorial, environmental, demographic and economic planning.