If you think that Barcelona and its metropolitan area don’t have anything to offer in the way of ecotourism or nature activities, that’s because you haven’t heard of Blauverd Urbà. The project, which is part of the Destination Barcelona Commitment to Sustainable Tourism, was launched with a decidedly transformative vision, seeking to re-introduce city residents to one of the most iconic and yet unknown features of the local area: the Besòs River.
Led by David Cano Giménez following a philosophy that he refers to as ‘real applied sustainability’, Blauverd Urbà is an example of how sustainability and innovation can team up and bring tangible improvements to a local area so that everyone can enjoy it. From guided tours to educational talks, this initiative seeks to help both visitors and locals connect with nature and appreciate everything the Besòs has to offer in terms of culture, history and nature.
The Besòs River, a story of transformation
The Besòs River, which had been a polluted and run-down habitat as a result of industrialisation, has undergone an impressive transformation in recent decades. Thanks to community-wide efforts to restore it, the river is now a hub of recreational, sporting and educational activities, as well as a key habitat for biodiversity and a green lung in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
Blauverd Urbà focuses on this recovery process by celebrating the area’s sustainability and heritage elements. Through tours and guided activities, the project offers an opportunity to discover this river ecosystem, reflect on the relationship between humans and the environment and enjoy an immersive experience in nature.
Activities for everyone
One of Blauverd Urbà’s strengths is its versatility and the wide range of activities it offers. The project seeks to reach a broad audience, including businesses, schools, public agencies and individuals interested in participating in sustainable, educational activities such as guided tours, workshops and talks.
For example, ‘The estuary, a fragile diamond’, is a tour that focuses on learning about and reflecting on the state of the Besòs estuary, a natural/urban area that is crucial for life in the metropolitan area, a habitat with both unique flora and fauna and industrial waste. The walk is also an opportunity to discuss topics such as land and marine ecosystems, sustainable cities, responsible manufacturing and water quality.
These and other activities, ranging from one-hour walks to several-day outings (such as one taking participants to discover the Besòs at its source), are geared at organised groups and can be customised by combining environmental issues with educational goals or team-building initiatives, for example. Blauverd Urbà also regularly offers tours for the general public, who can sign up through La Xarxa d’Aethnic, a group of sustainable tourism organisations, and every year it participates in Nature Week from 22 May to 5 June.
One of its most popular activities is ‘El riu és la raó’ (The River’s the Reason), a journey down the nearly 5 kilometres of the Besòs River Park, where participants can learn about the evolution of this habitat, reflect on our relationship with natural resources and discover fun facts about the river. The tour, led by David Cano, starts at Sant Adrià Library and ends at Eduard Maristany Bridge, offering a different perspective of the Besòs River through creative educational approaches that spark an emotional and intellectual connection between participants and nature.
Blauverd Urbà reveals the Besòs River to be a living, breathing habitat full of surprises and learning opportunities. The project is a perfect example of how tourism can be a tool for positive change, contributing to environmental preservation and raising awareness about the importance of sustainability.
