XCT meets Catalan President for reporting on nature conservation challenges

On 30 July, the Catalan President Quim Torra warmly received the representatives of the Land Stewardship Network of Catalonia (XCT) at the Palau de la Generalitat (seat of the Catalan government). 

In addition to the President, the General Director of Enviromental Policies (Ferran Miralles), and the Director of the President's Office (Josep Rius) attended the meeting as well. XCT reported on its key role in nature conservation in Catalonia and highlighted the accomplishments of the land stewardship movement:

  • Number of land stewardship agreements: 765
  • Total surface of land stewardship agreements: 40.072
  • Percentage of protected land in Natura 2000 areas: 66%
  • XCT member organisations: 160

The meeting provided an opportunity to address key issues and current challenges for nature conservation in Catalonia. XCT encouraged the President to urgently implement and improve the legislation on nature and land conservation, as well as to explore new financing formulas to guarantee the stable operation and professionalisation of land stewardship organisations. The President committed himself to work for the adoption of tax incentives for land stewardship. Lastly, it was agreed to appoint an interlocutor from the Presidency Department to ensure the President will keep informed on decisions and strategic policies emerging from the environmental sector.