As field study for my nature-based project I analysed Barcelona's bioregion, shaped by its Mediterranean climate, coast and the Collserola forests. It's one of Earth's most threatened biomes, squeezed by urbanisation, agriculture and tourism, with plants adapted to drought and poor soil. I used the city's Biodiversity Atlas and Restor for land and tree-cover data.
Forests of oak, pine and holm oak capture carbon, hold soil and water on the slopes, and moderate the climate, offsetting Barcelona's urban heat island. This summer's forest fires made reforestation and fire management feel urgent.
Recurring droughts stress both people and wildlife. The city draws its tap water from the Ter and Llobregat rivers, so their health is vital, and sustainable irrigation matters to avoid over-extraction.
