Hyperlocal research

Natural Resources:

Our city's local ecosystem is strongly influenced by its Mediterranean climate, coastal location, and nearby mountainous areas like the Collserola where we have Mediterranean forests, woodlands and shrublands. This ecoregion is one of the Earth’s most threatened biomes due to urbanisation, agriculture, and tourism. Plants here have adapted to drought and poor soil conditions, which is typical of Mediterranean ecosystems. We are lucky enough to have a fantastic resource in Barcelona which is our Biodiversity Atlas which lets you explore any neighbourhood in Barcelona and surrounding I also used Restor for land and tree cover statistics. Key species within this eco-region, such as certain bird species and small mammals, rely on the Mediterranean forest structure and are adapted to limited water sources. Many native animals face habitat fragmentation due to urban growth, which impacts their ability to find food and shelter. Preserving areas like Collserola is essential for supporting these species. The variety of species contributes to a rich urban biodiversity, making the city more resilient to environmental changes.

Relationship to bio-region:

• Forested areas, particularly those with a mix of dense trees like oaks, poplars, and conifers, are crucial for carbon capture, improving our air quality.

• This summer we had a lot of forest fires, fire management and reforestation efforts try to protect diverse species, like the resilient but slower-growing holm oak, which is foundational to the Mediterranean biome.

Relationship to eco-region:

• Biodiversity support: The variety of trees and shrubs, such as holm oaks, pines, and fruit-bearing plants like hazelnuts and wild cherries, provide essential food sources and habitats. This diversity supports a range of species, from small mammals and birds to insects.

• Soil and water retention: The dense root systems of trees and shrubs, such as maples, ash, and hawthorn, prevent soil erosion, especially on the slopes of the mountainous area. This stabilises the land, reduces the risk of landslides, and helps retain rainwater, which is crucial in a region where water can be scarce.

• Climate moderation: Collserola’s vegetation creates a microclimate that moderates local temperatures and humidity. The large tree cover reduces urban heat and provides a cooling effect to surrounding areas, helping offset Barcelona’s urban heat island effect.

Barcelona's Mediterranean climate results in periodic droughts, putting stress on both urban and natural ecosystems. Reduced water availability negatively impacts local flora and fauna, thereby affecting biodiversity. The city relies on municipal tap water from the Ter and Llobregat Rivers, making their ecological health vital for urban sustenance. Over-extraction of water for human needs can harm river ecosystems, aquatic species, habitats, and water quality. While groundwater offers some support, limited access to aquifers in dense areas like Eixample heightens dependence on surface water. Agriculture demands significant water resources, especially during droughts, leading to over-reliance on irrigation, which strains local supplies and impacts natural ecosystems. Adopting sustainable irrigation practices is crucial to mitigate these issues and conserve water resources.