INTEGRA project celebrates its first workshop on Key Biodiversity Areas in Andalusia

The Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC) hosted the first workshop on Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) of the INTEGRA project during 24-26 June. Over three days, 20 experts from different taxonomic specialities, public administrations and conservation organisations came together to identify and validate new potential sites of critical importance for biodiversity in Andalusia, applying the IUCN Global Standard for Key Biodiversity Areas.

The workshop brought together specialists in molluscs, plants, mammals and insects, along with protected area managers, land stewardship initiative coordinators and professionals from non-governmental conservation organisations. This multidisciplinary meeting enabled the review of proposals, the exchange of specialised knowledge and the application of the international standard that underpins the update and identification of KBAs, strengthening the scientific basis guiding conservation decisions in the region.

The INTEGRA project, which receives support from the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO), through co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), responds to a critical moment for national conservation. Its development coincides with the update of the Spanish Red List, the establishment of the National KBA Coordination Group and the need to consolidate fundamental international commitments: the 30x30 Target of the Global Biodiversity Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and the National Green Infrastructure, Connectivity and Ecological Restoration Strategy.

The workshop represents the first step in a collaborative process that the INTEGRA project will develop throughout the year to identify new sites of critical importance for biodiversity in Spain. Through technical sessions, group work and a field visit to Brazo del Este (Doñana), participants deepened their understanding of KBA identification methodology and its application to assess their contribution to ecological connectivity using the methodology developed by the MEDCONECTA project.

Drive to strengthen green infrastructure

This analysis will identify priority action areas and integrate biodiversity, connectivity and ecosystem services into territorial planning. In this way, INTEGRA aims to contribute to the design of an ecologically coherent green infrastructure that is resilient to climate change and capable of providing lasting benefits to society. Territorial planning is the project's cross-cutting axis. Once KBAs have been identified and ecological corridors analysed, INTEGRA will promote the integration of green infrastructure into territorial planning instruments, adapting results to regional scale and developing case studies that demonstrate their operational viability.

Additionally, the project develops a comprehensive strategy for coordination, communication and knowledge transfer, including validation workshops, development of dissemination materials, creation of a dedicated website and ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders in public administration, research and civil society. The objective is to ensure that INTEGRA results translate into operational tools and criteria available to planning authorities throughout Spain.

Further information: 

• Brochure INTEGRA
• Proyecto INTEGRA - descripción de proyecto