At the end of its first year of implementation, the INTERREG POCTEFA SOLPYR project, aimed at improving knowledge and sustainable management of Pyrenean soils in the face of climate change, has achieved significant milestones that mark the beginning of a strong cross-border collaboration. Thanks to the active involvement of the project partners, including the Working Community of the Pyrenees (CTP), the progress made lays a solid foundation for achieving its ambitious goals.

The year began with the first project coordination meeting, during which strategic priorities were established, and key areas of action were defined. This meeting allowed the consortium to align efforts, harmonize working methodologies, and plan initial activities, facilitating an efficient development of the project.

In November, the First Pyrenean Soils Forum was held in Ax-les-Thermes, a key event that brought together experts, land managers, and policymakers to discuss the current state of Pyrenean soils and the challenges posed by climate change. During the forum, participants joined field visits to a restored soil area near a ski resort, showcasing innovative restoration techniques that highlight the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in protecting ecosystems. This forum served as a unique platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences among the various stakeholders involved.

Additionally, the Annual Assembly of the Pyrenean Soil Alliance (ASPir) gathered a broad network of experts and managers, strengthening its role as a fundamental meeting point for fostering collaboration and advancing a shared vision for the protection and sustainable management of Pyrenean soils. In this context, the importance of coordinating actions and promoting knowledge exchange across the region was emphasized.

Another notable achievement was the working meeting focused on advancing the project’s main lines of action, which include:

Awareness-raising and dissemination of the importance of soils as a vital resource.
Information and data on soils, with the development of tools for soil mapping and analysis.
Assessment of soil degradation, addressing critical issues such as erosion and the loss of organic matter.
Soil governance at the scale of the Pyrenean bioregion, a strategy led by the CTP.

In particular, within the framework of Action 6: Soil Governance, significant progress was made in producing a state-of-the-art report on Pyrenean soil knowledge, including a comprehensive diagnosis of their biodiversity, functions, and vulnerabilities. This work will serve as the starting point for the creation of the Action Plan for the Protection of Pyrenean Soils, a strategic document that will guide future policies and actions in the region.

With these advancements, the project has reinforced its commitment to soil protection, demonstrating that cross-border cooperation is a key tool in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. In the second year of implementation, the project aims to further advance research, raise public awareness, and develop practical policy tools to ensure the sustainability of this essential resource for the ecosystems and communities of the Pyrenees.

Ultimately, SOLPYR is establishing itself as a flagship initiative in the integrated management of mountain soils, positioning the Pyrenees as a model of sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change.