A thousand gardens in Begur, Palafrugell, Pals and Regencós will be visited in the coming weeks to inform owners about the presence of invasive plants, the associated ecological risks and alternatives with native or non-invasive exotic species. The action is part of the campaign "Remove the invasive plants from your garden", promoted by the Naturabegur project and the Biosfera association.
Environmental awareness campaign in the Costa Brava
The main objective of the initiative is to reduce the presence of invasive exotic species in the Natural Interest Area (EIN) of the Begur Mountains. Cat's claw (Carpobrotus spp.) stands out among the most concerning species due to its ability to colonize natural spaces and displace native vegetation, especially in coastal areas.
Other plants that usually escape from private gardens and that also generate concern are the prickly pear, the agave and the Pampas grass. The project technicians will directly inform the neighbors about the impacts that these species can cause and will propose alternatives more respectful of the environment.
Involvement of the gardening sector
The campaign is not limited to individuals. Informative sessions have been planned aimed at maintenance companies, garden centers, and municipal technicians. The purpose is to promote more sustainable gardening practices and prevent the commercialization or use of species with invasive potential.
"It is important that garden centers get involved in this change it doesn't make much sense to sell plants with invasive potential and that they then end up planted in private gardens from where they can escape into natural spaces" - Aleix Castejón, project technician
The participation of the professional sector is considered key to curbing the expansion of these species in the natural environment.
Actions to protect biodiversity
The Naturabegur project has launched a comprehensive program of actions that covers both land and sea in the EIN Muntanyes de Begur. The BIOSFERA association leads ten actions that combine active management, scientific research, environmental education, and citizen participation.
- Removal of invasive plants in natural spaces
- Elimination of polluting elements in the sea, such as abandoned fishing gear
- Restoration of degraded habitats
Arnau Sargatal, coordinator of the project, warns about the origin of many invasive species in Catalonia.
"Many of the invasive plants that today affect the natural ecosystems of Catalonia have arrived through ornamental gardening" - Arnau Sargatal, coordinator of the Naturabegur project
The Naturabegur team insists on the importance of citizen collaboration to reduce the impact of these species and protect local biodiversity.
The campaign will be developed progressively in the coming months, with the aim of involving the largest possible number of owners and professionals in the conservation of the natural environment of the Costa Brava.