Line of action:

Terrestrial ecosystems

Status:

En ejecución

Location:

Cantabria

Geographic scope:

España

Execution date:

2026

End date:

2028

Duration:

01/10/2026- 30/09/2028

Total budget:

€1,056,419.22

Amount of aid from the Biodiversity Foundation:

€633,851.54

The project works to consolidate and improve the green infrastructure of the Camino Lebaniego as an axis of ecological connectivity, recovery of biodiversity and activation of the rural bioeconomy through a comprehensive strategy that promotes the sustainable use of the territory, the restoration of habitats and the valorization of the natural and cultural resources of the environment. The project incorporates an inclusive and transformative approach, promoting green employment, the participation of vulnerable groups, gender equality and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge, with the aim of generating sustainable opportunities, strengthening resilience to climate change and contributing to territorial cohesion and the demographic challenge in rural areas of Cantabria.

• The consolidation of the green infrastructure of the Camino Lebaniego, giving a new boost to biodiversity, the improvement of ecological connectivity and ecosystem services, thereby contributing to adaptation to climate change, and the prevention of forest fires.
• The activation of the bioeconomy related to forest and agricultural management, ecotourism, activities based on the transformation of biological resources and the promotion of traditional activities.
• The promotion of green employment and training that favour the creation of new employment niches and contribute to the establishment of the population in rural areas.
• The integration of the gender perspective as a cross-cutting axis of the project, making visible the role of rural women in the conservation of the territory, sustainable entrepreneurship and the transmission of traditional knowledge, promoting their participation and equitable access to training, employment and decision-making spaces.

• Restoration of coastal ecosystems.
• Diversification of countryside habitats.
• Protection of vulnerable areas.
• Climate-resilient forest management.
• Managing the territory by improving resilience and resilience to forest fires.
• Promotion of biodiversity.
• Study of biomass stocks and energy supply plan.
• Education and training.
• Communication and dissemination.

• Diversification of countryside habitats, based on the restoration of 10 dry stone walls, the increase of forest microhabitats (hedges and copses), the creation and adaptation of 10 available water points, or the increase of habitat for pollinators in 5 ha of meadow.
• Protection of vulnerable areas for flora and fauna in high mountain areas that are home to unique ecosystems such as ponds, wetlands and peatlands, and the signing of 2 stewardship agreements along these lines.
• Climate-resilient forest management in 50 ha, based on the valorisation and conservation of natural heritage, the recovery of forest uses, the transformation of 5 plots into native mixed forest and biological stump removal, among other actions.
• Fire prevention, based on the evaluation and zoning of fire risk, with actions such as the creation of firefighting herds of 200 head of cattle, the creation of 10 firebreaks and 30 roads, the improvement of agroforestry systems, and a guide for them.
• Study of biomass stocks in the area and the creation of an energy supply plan.
• Revitalization of rural bioeconomy: and creation of green employment through the improvement of professional skills with training in agroforestry systems, reuse of wool, promotion of good environmental practices and practical training for students of workshop schools.
• Improvement of connectivity and biodiversity, by restoring the path as a green corridor, eliminating invasive species and revegetating with native flora.
• Reduction of the gender gap by making visible the role of rural women as key agents in the territory.
• Greater social awareness, with campaigns, informative materials and presence in the media.
• Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDGs 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 and 15.