With 30 years of experience in the dissemination of knowledge and values related to ecology and the environment, the SIGEA (Research and Management Service for Environmental Education) Foundation has established itself as a benchmark for sustainable tourism and environmental education in Catalonia. Founded by Estrella González, Javier Núñez and Sara Fraguas, the foundation promotes respect for the nature, history and heritage of the Baix Llobregat area, with a strong focus on agriculture, combining tourist activities with initiatives that contribute to preserving the unique setting in which they take place.
The conservation and enjoyment of the local area, in perfect harmony
The main mission of the SIGEA Foundation is to educate about the importance of the environment, to promote sustainability and to foster an emotional connection with nature, transmitting to those who take part in its activities a love for the local area. To achieve these goals, it devises educational programmes and carries out conservation projects that have helped to restore several agri-environmental areas. In addition to the agricultural activity that takes place in these areas, initiatives are implemented to restore native fauna and habitats. The areas are also intended for the enjoyment of citizens, with the aim of contributing to the tourist promotion of local municipalities, providing a value proposition.
In this regard, one of the star projects is the Llobregat Delta Agri-Environmental Area, located in Viladecans. Set in the heart of the Llobregat Delta, in a place protected by the Natura 2000 Network and listed as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, visitors have the chance to get in touch with nature while discovering the agricultural tradition and rich biodiversity of an area that is also part of the Baix Llobregat Agricultural Park and set close to natural beaches with dunes and protected vegetation. Whether it’s guided routes on foot, by bicycle, and even by horse and carriage, or visits to the farm to get to know its animals, tastings of products from the organic vegetable garden, children’s activities and celebrations such as birthday parties, there are plenty of ecotourism activities to enjoy in this part of the world, proving that tourism activity, responsible agriculture and the conservation of a natural area like the Llobregat Delta can go hand in hand.
Environmental education and activities for everyone
In addition, the SIGEA Foundation has developed a wide range of educational activities, specially designed for schools. Students from pre-school through to secondary school can participate in workshops on ecology, recycling and the circular economy, not to mention visits to the Agri-Environmental Area for unique first-hand experiences related to nature and agriculture. Meanwhile, the SIGEA Foundation has also created corporate team-building programmes in natural settings, aimed at fostering cooperation and creativity among employees, thus providing corporate activities with a social responsibility dimension, promoting values such as sustainability and environmental solidarity.
Another cornerstone of the Foundation is social inclusion. Through the Can Calderon Economic Promotion Centre in Viladecans, it takes part in employment programmes that facilitate the labour inclusion of unemployed people. This social dimension is also reflected in its work with local farmers’ markets, supporting the circular economy and local producers.
With its longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism and education, the SIGEA Foundation is a testament to how such initiatives can not only survive but also thrive and grow, evolving their activities to add value to the local area, nature and the community.
