Spain's big environmental project - 2nd January 2023

A new project to help improve the environment is starting in Spain's Iberian Highlands, in the eastern part of the country. The organisation "Rewilding Europe" intends to bring back its creatures and save the region's forests.

The project covers 8,500 square kilometres of valleys and mountain slopes, with a range of trees and wild animals, such as deer and boar. It's a place where the human population is extremely low, with fewer than two people per square kilometre. Conditions for returning wild animals are therefore perfect. As team leader of Rewilding Spain Pablo Schapira explained, "It's very rare to find these places in Europe."

It's the organisation's 10th project and the first step is to return different predators. Birds of prey help to protect the food chain by feeding on small animals. 15 black vultures, which have a wingspan of three metres, will be reintroduced each year. Grass-eating animals are also a necessity. Large groups of ancient cattle and wild horses have already been moved to the region.

Within the next two years, Iberian lynx will follow. This is a wild member of the cat family and as a predator, it also feeds on small animals. This will also keep certain animal populations low.

The purpose of the project isn't simply to help the environment. In recent decades, many local people have left the Iberian Highlands for towns and cities. It's thought that this project will encourage nature tourism, which will also bring financial benefits to the area.

So, it's a win-win situation for both nature and people.