POCTEFA PP3N

The POCTEFA Project of the Pyrenean Park of the Three Nations

The Pyrenean Park of the Three Nations (PP3N) is a cross-border cooperation initiative created in 2018 between four protected natural areas in Andorra, France and Spain: the Comapedrosa Natural Park, the Sorteny Valley Natural Park, the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, and the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park.

This shared area covers more than 400,000 hectares and its main objective is the joint management of a Pyrenean territory of high ecological, landscape and cultural value.

The project is part of the European Interreg POCTEFA 2021-2027 programme, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the aim of strengthening cooperation, territorial cohesion and the sustainable development of the border area.

General objectives of the project

The PP3N project promotes a common strategy based on integrated territorial management and sustainable development by creating a shared identity brand for tourism promotion and fostering joint actions.

Objectives:

• Conservation of natural and cultural heritage
  Protection of ecosystems, habitats and species, as well as preservation of traditions and cultural heritage.
• Cross-border cooperation
  Coordination between the different natural areas and strengthening of joint management.
• Sustainable socio-economic development
  Promotion of economic activities compatible with conservation, such as responsible tourism and local products.
• Mobility and territorial connections
  Improvement of cross-border itineraries, paths and routes to facilitate sustainable access.
• Research and environmental education
  Promotion of scientific knowledge and public awareness.
• Shared Pyrenean identity
  Creation of a common brand and strengthening of social and cultural ties.
• International recognition
  Working towards recognition as a benchmark territory, including initiatives such as the Biosphere Reserve or the Transboundary Park.

Project Partners

The project is led by the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park and includes several institutional and scientific partners from the three countries. Among them is ANA CEN Ariège (Association des Naturalistes de l’Ariège).

ANA CEN Ariège is a key partner specialising in biodiversity conservation and the management of natural areas. The organisation works to study, preserve and promote natural heritage through a scientific approach.

Its participation strengthens the scientific rigour of the project and contributes to improved management of natural heritage at a cross-border level.

The project also brings together institutions from the other territories that make up the PP3N:

• Government of Catalonia – Alt Pirineu Natural Park
• Ordino Commune – Sorteny Valley Natural Park
• La Massana Commune – Comapedrosa Natural Park

From the La Massana Commune, as managers of the Comapedrosa Natural Park, we actively participate in the project by promoting conservation, awareness-raising and sustainable development actions within the Andorran territory.

Project Budget and Funding

The PP3N project has a total budget of approximately 2 million euros, of which 65% is funded by the European Union through the ERDF, while the remainder is contributed by the participating partners in the territory.

Funding Distribution

• Total budget: €1,992,119.50
• European Union contribution (ERDF): €1,203,343.37 (65%)
• Partners' co-financing: €788,776 (35%)

The European funding is provided through the Interreg POCTEFA programme, which supports cross-border cooperation projects between Spain, France and Andorra.

This funding model guarantees:

• The long-term viability of actions
• The direct involvement of local stakeholders
• Shared and balanced management of the territory

Expected Results

PP3N consolidates an innovative cooperation model unique in the Pyrenees, combining the conservation of the natural environment with local development.

The project contributes to:

• Protecting biodiversity and mountain landscapes
• Stimulating the local economy in a sustainable way
• Strengthening territorial cooperation between three countries
• Positioning the Pyrenees as a European benchmark for the shared management of mountain natural areas.