Valuing the Llobregat Delta: an oasis in the middle of a metropolitan area
The severe impacts of Storm Gloria along the Mediterranean coast are a keen reminder of how much we value the coast and the serious impacts that storm events can bring. While the Ebro Delta, in southern Catalunya, received much attention, there were also significant impacts on the Llobregat Delta, where Barcelona airport is located.
A recent study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB) led by researcher Sonia Graham has captured some of the key aspects of the Llobregat Delta that are valued by residents and visitors: interviews and a survey were conducted with over 140 people in 2019.
The Llobregat Delta is highly valued for its natural environment and biodiversity. The wetlands, birdwatching huts and walking paths are highly valued ecosystem services and infrastructure that enable residents and visitors to experience and appreciate this unique area.
While the majority of respondents are concerned about the expansion of urban areas and the airport on the nature reserves, many respondents enjoy watching planes take-off and land; it is one of the features that makes the Llobregat Delta special.
Three-fifths (60%) of respondents believe that the LLobregat Delta is already experiencing the effects of climate change. Over one-third (38%) of respondents were concerned about the impacts of climate change on the Llobregat Delta, and a further half (49%) were fairly concerned.
This study brings to light the importance of the Llobregat Delta for residents of El Prat de Llobregat, as well as visitors from other municipalities of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona and Catalunya. Such values need to be considered when developing future coastal management strategies and climate adaptation policies to prepare for future changes in sea-level and other climate change related impacts.
Preliminary Results
Preliminary interview Results