The Barcelona Provincial Council has launched a new grant programme, making €600,000 available to private individuals and organisations for projects within its Natural Park Network. The funding aims to support activities and improvements in these protected areas throughout 2027.
Applications for the competitive grants opened on 8 May and will close on 1 June 2026. The programme, managed by the Natural Spaces and Green Infrastructure Area, seeks to preserve the natural, scenic, and cultural values of the parks.
The grants also support economic, social, and educational activities that align with conservation goals. Projects eligible for funding include forestry, agricultural, and livestock activities, as well as service companies, home improvements, and architectural heritage restoration. Civic, cultural, sports, and educational initiatives are also covered, alongside biomass thermal installations, energy efficiency measures in buildings, and environmental guiding activities.
Funding for Conservation and Development
A new feature of this call is the varying funding percentages. Grants can cover up to 75% of costs for forestry and agricultural-livestock projects, up to 100% for environmental guiding activities, and up to 50% for other aid categories.
The grants apply to protected areas directly managed by the Barcelona Provincial Council, including Montseny, Montnegre i el Corredor, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac, Garraf, Olèrdola, Montesquiu, and Foix. Specific provisions also extend to Serralada de Marina, Guilleries-Savassona, and Serralada Litoral. Certain aid lines, such as biomass thermal installations, energy efficiency, agricultural and livestock activities, or businesses linked to the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, have additional coverage.
Eligible actions include forest management and fire prevention, habitat improvements, environmentally friendly agricultural and livestock practices, and the rehabilitation of agricultural facilities. Environmental improvements in service companies, work on primary residences in non-urban land, restoration of heritage elements, and educational activities related to natural spaces are also covered.
Application and Justification Process
Applications should be submitted electronically via the Barcelona Provincial Council's e-headquarters, under the "Subvencions - Espais Naturals" (Grants - Natural Spaces) section. Applicants must use the correct form, electronically signed by their legal representative, and include the 2027 activity report, budget, and any specific documentation required for their chosen aid line.
Only individuals can submit applications in person at the General Registry of the Barcelona Provincial Council, located at Rambla de Catalunya, 126, in Barcelona. Postal submissions via certified administrative mail are also accepted. Grant recipients must justify their expenses between 2 January and 31 March 2028. For forestry, agricultural, and livestock activities, an optional justification period is available from 1 April to 30 June 2027. All justifications require an activity report, expense list, corresponding invoices, and payment receipts.
This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 11, "Sustainable Cities and Communities," and number 15, "Life on Land." These 17 SDGs were proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2015, forming part of the global 2030 agenda. The Barcelona Provincial Council is committed to these goals and supports local governments in the province in accordance with them.
