Visiting Protected Natural Areas (PNA) is always an enriching experience in every way.
Protected Natural Areas give us the opportunity to discover unique territories, whether due to their biodiversity or their connection to the rural environment.
Sierra Nevada—and therefore the municipality of Monachil—is part of what is known as the Natura 2000 network. This is an extensive European network of areas that preserve and promote biodiversity. These are the so-called Protected Natural Areas.
The main feature of this network of Protected Natural Areas is that land conservation must:
- Be compatible with human activity, and
- Support economic development
The original purpose behind the creation of these Protected Natural Areas was to provide benefits and enjoyment for people.
At the same time, the greatest threat to these areas today is climate change and global change—mainly driven by human activity—which directly affects biodiversity.
At La Almunia, we ask ourselves how we can help prevent tourism-based enjoyment of these areas from deteriorating the very land that is protected for this reason. If we think about it, it's a bit paradoxical: we create something to achieve a goal, but that very goal becomes a major threat to what we intended to protect.
So, what can we do to make the conservation of Protected Natural Areas compatible with the development of tourism?
This question has long been at the center of debate for many of us who care about leaving a healthy and fair future for the next generations.
At La Almunia, we share this concern with all our guests. From the very beginning, we invite them to take part in our sustainability and conservation efforts. Responsible energy consumption and reducing our carbon footprint are top priorities, as well as striving for zero waste and, of course, cutting down on daily plastic use.
We aim to promote responsible use of the territory by evenly distributing hiking options throughout the municipality.
Hiring specialized guides not only enriches the experience with essential information about the mountains but also teaches us how to coexist responsibly with the environment.
We also encourage visiting local businesses, consuming regional products, and engaging actively with the local community.
We also encourage visiting local businesses, consuming regional products, and engaging actively with the local community.
Let’s enjoy a magnificent 2025 season in Sierra Nevada, while protecting its unique Mediterranean high-mountain ecosystem.
See you in Sierra Nevada, at, La Almunia del Valle!