Catalonia’s Geography, Resources, and Environmental Management
Territorial Configuration
Catalonia’s territorial configuration is characterized by three main aspects: the complex interaction between the sea and the orography, the uneven terrain with few plains and abundant mountains, creating a labyrinthine appearance, and the proximity of mountains and the sea, typical of Mediterranean countries, where mountains often extend directly into the water. Catalonia’s history is deeply intertwined with maritime influences and the opportunities the land offers.
Major Physiographic Regions
The 700mm annual precipitation line divides Catalonia into two major physiographic regions: dry and wet. Dry Catalonia experiences dry summers and winters with hot, dry temperatures. Aridity increases from north to south and from the coast inland. The dominant vegetation is Mediterranean evergreen, adapted to summer drought. Oak forests are most representative. Dry Catalonia has two sub-areas: coastal and inland. Five distinct regions can be identified: north, Mediterranean coast, central plateau, foothills, and continental.
Wet Catalonia features deciduous vegetation like oak and conifer forests (les fagedes), mountain forests such as pine or fir (Catalonia negre). Two regions are distinguished: eastern and high Pyrenees.
Limited Natural Resources
Natural resources are goods from nature used by society. They can be classified by origin: soil, sun, water, vegetation, wildlife, energy, etc. Key natural resources in Catalonia include:
- Minerals and industrial rocks
- Soil: Crucial for vegetation and agriculture. Soil characteristics (depth, composition, texture, color) depend on bedrock, climate, and living organisms. Agricultural soils are limited due to terrain and thin, fragile soils on slopes. Key functions include biomass production, hydrological regulation, biological habitat, and ecological functions.
- Vegetation: Resulting from relief, climate, and other factors. Catalonia features diverse vegetation, including European domains and various plant formations, notably forests. Forests, while limited in logging potential, are ecologically and scenically important.
- Water: Essential for human consumption, hygiene, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. Rivers distribute water across the territory. Catalonia’s hydrography includes western and eastern slope rivers. River water is used for irrigation, human consumption, and through canals, dams, and reservoirs.
Natural Heritage
Natural heritage comprises the natural environment, a common societal heritage. Policies aim to protect, conserve, and improve this heritage. A key management tool is delineating protected areas. Catalonia’s Plan for Spaces of Natural Interest (PEIN, 1985) conserves natural heritage and biodiversity. It defines natural area types and protection categories:
- Nationals parks
- Natural parks: Extensive natural spaces with minimal human presence, managed to preserve them (e.g., Aigüestortes and Sant Maurici).
- Natural places of interest: Natural landscapes managed to maintain natural values (e.g., High Pyrenees and Cap de Creus).
- Natural sites: Medium or small protected areas conserving specific natural or cultural elements (e.g., Poblet poplar grove).
- Nature reserves: Protected areas for scientific research (e.g., Ebro riverbanks at Flix).
- Species management areas: Habitats managed for specific species (e.g., Mas de Melonsafes).
The European Union’s Natura 2000 network (1992) protects habitats of Community interest: Special Protection Areas for birds and Special Areas of Conservation. In 2006, the Catalan government integrated Catalan spaces into this network, increasing protected territory from 21% in 1992 to 30%.
Wastewater Management
This section addresses wastewater treatment, including collection, purification, and discharge. Domestic water, released to sewers, contains organic substances. Agricultural and industrial wastewater contains toxic substances. In both cases, water must be cleaned before environmental release. Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) remove pollutants. The process involves collecting and transporting water through collectors, treatment in plants, and discharge under conditions minimizing environmental impact. Water from WWTPs is not potable but can be used for irrigation (golf courses, parks) and industrial activities.