The Autonomous Community of Navarre occupies an area of 10.421 km2 and is
located in the North of Spain, in the western most part of the Pyrenees. It is
bordered on the north by France, on the southwest by Aragon, on the south by
La Rioja and on the northwest by the Autonomous Basque Community.
It has a population of just over 593.000 inhabitants, with a population
density of 56,90 ha/km2. The capital of the province is Pamplona,
internationally renowned for the bull running during the Festivals of St
Fermin and for being an important stopping point on the Way of St James. Other
towns in Navarre are Tudela, Estella, Sangüesa and Tafalla.
Navarre has a GDP per capita of some 23.000 Euros. 4,2% of the active
population in Navarre is in agriculture, 24,11% in industry, 10,27% in
construction and 55,82% in services.
With regard to the environment, Navarre is characterised by its high
biological diversity. In just over 100 kms. the alpine climate of the Pyrenees
contrasts sharply with the desert scenery of the Bardenas Reales, a World
Biosphere Reserve. This rich biodiversity is partly due to the convergence of
three biogeographic regions in Navarre: the Alpine, the Atlantic and the
Mediterranean regions. However, it can also be attributed to the considerable
environmental awareness of its inhabitants. The fact that Navarre is the
Spanish province with the highest recycling rate, or that 80% of electricity
consumption in Navarre comes from renewable energies are just two examples
that clearly demonstrate the commitment of Navarre to the environment.
The Navarre Government is working to promote high quality economic and social
development that is in harmony with nature. In this way, a considerable effort
has been made over the last few years to implement the Local Agenda 21. In
March 1998, the Department of the Environment, Town & Country Planning and
Housing incorporated the Urban Environment Section, an administrative unit
specifically created to support and develop the Local Agenda 21s, which
already involve 80% of the population.
The Navarre Government is participating in the SISAL 21 project through one of
its holding companies, Gestión Ambiental, Viveros y Repoblaciones de Navarre
(Environmental Management, Nurseries and Restocking/Reforestation of Navarre),
a company with more than 20 years' experience in managing and conserving the
Natural Environment of this Autonomous Community. This company, in addition to
being a partner of SISAL 21, is also the project Lead Manager.
