The Subdirectorate General of Biodiversity, within the Directorate General of Environmental Policies, is part of the Department of Territory and Sustainability of the Generalitat de Catalunya, government of this autonomous community. This directorate general's functions include acting as environmental authority for the Natura 2000 Network, such as in relation to biodiversity, the ex situ and in situ management and conservation of protected species of flora and fauna, as well as the planning and management of protected natural areas. The Biodiversity and Animal Protection Service, which has extensive experience in European projects for the conservation of endangered species (anphibian, freshwater bivalves, urogoallo, brown bear, Audouin's seagull, fish, etc.) will participate in this project, whether acting as beneficiaries, partners or co-financiers.

Source: http://parcsnaturals.gencat.cat/ca/

Forest Catalan SA is a public company established by agreement of the government of the Generalitat de Catalunya on December 19 and 22,1987 as a corporation. Its scope is the entire autonomous community of Catalonia. According to its statutes, its objectives include the provision of services, technical assistance, conservation of flora and fauna and management of the natural environment. It has the capacity to carry out any action related to the water cycle, protection, management and administration of forests and protected natural areas. Among others, Forestal Catalana SA has experience in the production and sale of plants and then for reforestation and restoration of the environment. Forestal Catalana SA can plan, execute, store, use and restore buildings and infrastructures in natural spaces, carry out forestry and reforestation work and fight against erosion. The number of works carried out annually is about 200 projects.

In the area of environmental management, Forestal Catalana SA is responsible for the management of the wildlife centres of Torreferrusa and Pont de Suert, where breeding in captivity and recovery of endangered species are carried out. In recent years, a pilot captive breeding programme for the Montseny newt has been carried out, which has served to establish the necessary protocols and ensure the viability of a large-scale project. Currently, Forestal Catalana SA has staff technically prepared for this work, as well as the commitment of continuity expressed by the Generalitat de Catalunya, holder of the fauna centres.

Photo: XPN Archive.

Photo: Daniel Guinart.