With its imposing mountains, ever-green fir forests, and more than two hundred lakes of glacial origin, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is one of the most representative natural jewels of the Catalan Pyrenees. Across the more than 40,000 hectares of protected land, shared between the park and its surrounding buffer zone, emblematic species of Pyrenean wildlife can be found, including the brown bear (Ursus arctos), whose presence symbolizes the good conservation status of these high-mountain ecosystems. Each year, more than half a million people visit this protected area, drawn by its landscapes, its network of trails, and its tranquility. However, this growing influx also poses the challenge of reconciling enjoyment of the environment with the preservation of its fragile natural balance. From the Brown Bear Foundation (Fundación Oso Pardo), in collaboration with the Autonomous National Parks Agency (OAPN), we contribute to raising awareness about the brown bear in Aigüestortes National Park as part of a response to this challenge.
A further step in collaboration for conservation
For several years now, a collaboration has been underway between the Autonomous National Parks Agency (OAPN) and the Brown Bear Foundation (FOP) to inform visitors to Picos de Europa National Park and Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.
Specifically, in the Pyrenean mountains National Park and as part of this joint information campaign, the foundation has distributed informational materials to visitors and at tourist information points. This material includes a QR code linking to the animated video “Tips for Exploring Brown Bear Mountains,” which is part of the LIFE Coexistence actions and is funded within the LIFE Osos con Futuro project. The video can be viewed in Spanish, Catalan, and English.
These materials provide simple guidelines for moving safely along trails and through forests where bears may live, helping to reduce disturbance and to promote safe coexistence between bears and humans.
In addition, the FOP field team in the Pyrenees has screened a video with recommendations for moving through bear habitats and has given a talk to staff of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.
Shared mountains, shared responsibility
The rise of nature tourism is an excellent opportunity to connect with the environment, as long as it is done with awareness and respect. Small actions—such as not leaving waste, avoiding loud noises, staying on marked trails, or keeping a safe distance from any wild animal—can make a big difference.
Every informed and committed visitor helps protect this exceptional landscape. Because enjoying Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park not only means admiring its beauty, but also helping to ensure that the brown bear continues to have a future in the Pyrenees.