Regulation of frequentation and access at Cap de Creus Natural Park

Despite the management tools in force (public use management plan, planning, compulsory authorisation for activities, regulations for nature sports, signposting), the lack of specific actions tackling access by private vehicle caused negative impacts on conservation, safety and local acceptance of tourism: irregular parking, overnight stays within the Park, difficult access in case of emergency, overcrowding, dissatisfaction of visitors and some reluctance on tourism from locals.

Different sensitive areas and Integral Reserves of the Natural Park were receiving a strong and increasing tourism pressure in last years.
Main need was to manage the large visitor’s flows that visited sensitive areas and Integral Reserves without a specific regulation framework. Due to the effect of the Covid-19 lockdowns, the situation required a more efficient management system to ensure a safe visit for tourists and, at the same time, meet the needs of preservation in sensitive areas.

Implementation of specific management tools such as Public Use Plan for the Integral Nature Reserve, specific management plans in sensitive areas, authorisations for activities, signposting programmes and specific regulations for nature sports.

Approval of new regulations that banned: circulation of motor vehicles off roads and tracks, free camping and overnight stays in vehicles. Access to Integral Nature Reserve was only permitted along signposted paths and roads.

Study on mobility of Punta del Cap de Creus and study on regulations and management on vehicles and visitors flow to beaches in Roses have lead to a better definition and implementation of tourism flows to Integral Nature Reserves in Easter, summer and weekends in spring and autumn.
Restrictions for private vehicles were implemented altogether with bus shuttle service, installation of obstacles, physical barriers, dissemination materials, signposting and on site information provided by staff.

Main partners were Roses’ and Cadaqués’ town councils and University of Girona. Cooperation with Rural Agents –regional rangers- and other civil security forces was crucial.
Support of other park’s municipalities allowed closing some access to specific points as a result of continuous incivility behaviours and omission of Natural Park’s regulations.
Involvement of tourism business and tourism information offices was relevant to disseminate visitors flow management initiatives.

Even there is still a long way to go, results are positive as annual data shows change in visitor profiles and access to sensitive areas by private vehicle has significantly decreased.
Participation process to renew the ECST is taking place in 2024 and new actions regarding visitor flows have been already suggested. The approval of the Master Plan for marine area use and management will also lead to improve conservation of the Natural Park.

• Acceptance of management measures was main challenge.
• Communication of regulations to visitors is ensured through the support of tourism businesses and tourism offices.
• Information to locals is also targeted by the Natural Park and agreements were reached to ensure they can enjoy natural sites.
• Director of the Natural Park has met several times with tourism business located in the regulated areas to prevent and minimize possible conflicts.

The adoption of measures tackling frequentation in crowded spaces is accepted among local population as long as they are backed with information on why such measures are implemented and alternative means to reach the natural sites are provided.
Collaboration with city councils and citizen associations is a very effective tool to promote implementation of specific regulations to protect natural areas and achieve conservation objectives.