SOLPYR, the first Pyrenean project to create a cross-border map of soils to help protect them and make them more resilient to climate change

In November 2023, a new Interreg POCTEFA project was approved, in which the OPCC-CTP is a partner: the SOLPYR project. The SOLPYR project is based on the idea that a better understanding of soils and the associated problems will raise the awareness needed among mountain users and the competent bodies to protect and conserve this vital resource for the Pyrenees. The consequences of climate change are having a direct impact on the health of soils, particularly mountain soils. Rising temperatures are responsible for a reduction in snow cover in the Pyrenees, and this in turn means that soils are more exposed to the uses to which they are put. In addition, increased pressure from mountain sports and activities is likely to alter soil functions. Going back to the roots, SOLPYR focuses on the vulnerability of soils in the Pyrenees in relation to climate change and the consequences of land use in this context. 

The Pyrenees Soil Alliance (ASPir), launched in May 2021, has made an initial effort to identify priorities for action, which can be grouped under three main headings: unifying soil information, preventing soil degradation and raising awareness of soil vulnerability among the population and mountain users. The newborn project will work in this direction for 3 years, with the main aim of providing unified information on mountain soils and a strategy and action plan at Pyrenean level. In practical terms, it aims to define a series of best practices for their protection, create educational resources to raise awareness and involve the public through participatory science actions.

There is still very little information available on Pyrenean soils. In the 7 territories involved, including 6 regions, many areas are still poorly known. For the first time, a complete cross-border map of Pyrenean soils will be produced thanks to a cooperation project led by the Institut Cartogàfic i Geològic de Catalunya (ICGC), which will also involve 8 other partner organisations and 2 associated organisations, with a total budget of €1,795,513.20. Overcoming border barriers and thanks to the cooperation of the organisations involved in the project, we are now following a new path to make the Pyrenees more resilient to the effects of climate change!

To find out more about the project: https://opcc-ctp.org/en/proyecto/solpyr-interreg-poctefa