Spain

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Southern EuropeApplies 2022–2030Source: State Strategic Plan for Natural Heritage and Biodiversity to 2030

1. Overview

Spain's State Strategic Plan for Natural Heritage and Biodiversity to 2030 (Plan Estratégico Estatal del Patrimonio Natural y de la Biodiversidad hasta 2030) was approved by Royal Decree 1057/2022 of 27 December, on the proposal of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge [§2]. The plan replaces the previous Strategic Plan for Natural Heritage and Biodiversity 2011–2017 and has a validity of eight years from adoption [§2][§3]. It fulfils milestone 62 of Component 4, Reform 1 of Spain's Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, tying biodiversity planning to the country's post-COVID fiscal architecture and NextGenerationEU funding [§5].

Rather than setting numbered national targets aligned one-to-one with the 23 GBF Targets, Spain organises its plan around eight "priority lines of action" covering knowledge, protection and conservation, ecosystem recovery, threat reduction, international cooperation, financing, private-sector engagement, and governance [§13].* Under each priority line, the plan states general objectives and specific quantitative commitments, supported by named instruments and operational measures. This thematic architecture addresses 21 of 23 GBF Targets; content addressing GBF Targets 9 and 17 was not identified.

The plan carries a total estimated budget of €4,173,191,563 across four costed investment categories and commits to doubling biodiversity investment by 2025 relative to 2020, maintaining that level through 2030 [§35].

This NBSAP was submitted before the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (December 2022). Target mappings are inferred and were not part of the document's original scope.

Translated from Spanish.

Spain brings the EU's highest species count, most extensive Natura 2000 contribution, and a €4.17 billion costed plan to an NBSAP organised by thematic priority lines rather than numbered GBF targets. Measurable commitments span 30% marine protection by 2030, a phased harmful-subsidy elimination schedule, and the programmed closure of all American mink farms — backed by a pledge to double biodiversity investment by 2025.

Sources:

§2 — General Provisions > Royal Decree 1057/2022 preamble
§3 — I Hereby Order > Sole Article, Final Provisions
§5 — Annex > 1. Introduction, background and reference framework
§13 — Annex > 3. Priority lines of action
§35 — Annex > 4. Budget estimate

2. Ecological Context

Spain harbours more than 85,000 species of animals, fungi, and plants — 54% of European species and around 5% of known species globally [§7]. Its 7,582 recorded vascular plant species represent the highest count in Europe, with an estimated 1,500 endemic taxa [§7]. Four terrestrial biogeographical regions (Mediterranean, Atlantic, Alpine, Macaronesian) and three marine regions support this diversity, alongside 117 habitat types of Community interest — 56% of the EU total [§6][§8].

The country contributes 18% of the EU's total terrestrial Natura 2000 Network, the largest share of any member state, with 27.36% of national territory and approximately 7.9% of sovereign waters under Natura 2000 designation [§9]. International recognitions include 53 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (the most in the world), 76 Ramsar sites (third globally), and 15 UNESCO Global Geoparks (second worldwide) [§9].

Conservation status, however, is under pressure. Between 60% and 74% of terrestrial species of Community interest are in unfavourable conservation states, and only 8.91% of habitat type assessments show favourable status [§7][§8]. Marine species knowledge remains severely limited: 67–97% of assessments are classified as "unknown" depending on the marine biogeographical region [§7]. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in Spain reports that 45% of ecosystem services have degraded or are being used unsustainably, with 87% of regulation services in a critical or vulnerable state [§8].

Three interlinked pressures define Spain's ecological challenge. Desertification risk is the highest in the EU, with 74% of territory classified as arid, semi-arid, or dry sub-humid [§11]. Water overexploitation reaches the most serious levels in Europe — 25% of aquifers are severely overexploited, and the national water footprint is double the global average [§11]. Forest fires, 80.77% of which are anthropogenic (52.70% intentional), are the main degradation factor for forest ecosystems [§11]. Climate projections indicate these pressures will intensify: soil erosion could increase by up to 66% by 2070, and water resource reductions are identified as particularly severe for aquatic ecosystems and wetlands [§11][§12].

Conservation successes include the recovery of the Iberian lynx from approximately 100 individuals in 2011 to 1,156 in 2021, the brown bear from 100–120 individuals in 1989 to 310–350 in 2018, and the Cartagena rockrose from a single individual to 1,766 across 14 populations by 2021 [§7].

Sources:

§6 — 2. Diagnosis > Introduction
§7 — 2. Diagnosis > 2.1 Current situation > Species
§8 — 2. Diagnosis > 2.1 Current situation > Ecosystems
§9 — 2. Diagnosis > 2.1 Current situation > Geological heritage, protected areas
§11 — 2.2 Identified problems > Forest fires, desertification, water
§12 — 2.2 Identified problems > Climate change

3. National Commitments and GBF Alignment

Spain's plan organises its national commitments under eight priority lines of action. The commitments below follow the plan's own structure, with GBF Target mapping inferred from thematic alignment.

3.1 Knowledge generation

The plan commits to broader understanding of natural heritage and biodiversity to underpin decision-making, including improved knowledge of IAS impacts on health and disease emergence, and accessible data across all administrations and society [§14]. A National System for knowledge generation, monitoring, and governance is operational from 2022, covering all taxonomic groups and habitat types [§15]. By 2030, no species or habitat type of Community interest is to have unknown conservation status.

GBF alignment: Targets 4, 20, 21. Measurability: Directional aspiration — the knowledge objectives specify direction without quantitative thresholds, though the unknown-status elimination target for 2030 is measurable.

3.2 Protection and conservation

Species. At least 30% of species and habitats of Community interest currently lacking favourable status are to achieve it or show a positive trend by 2030 [§16]. No species declared in a critical situation in 2018 is to remain in that status by 2030. At least 40% of species extinct in Spain are to be reintroduced by 2030. Conservation Strategies are to cover at least 90% of flora taxa in the Catalogue of Threatened Species by 2030 [§16].

Protected areas. Marine surface protection is to reach 30% by 2030, with at least 18% by 2024 [§17]. The plan contributes to the EU objective of 10% strict protection (terrestrial and marine) by 2030 [§17]. By 2025, 75% of Natura 2000 areas are to regularly evaluate effectiveness of adopted measures, reaching 100% by 2030 [§17]. By 2030, 100% of Spanish natural systems are to be represented in the National Parks Network [§17]. Primary and mature forests are to be identified by 2025, with the process for strict protection developed by 2030 [§17].

GBF alignment: Targets 3, 4. Measurability: Measurable commitments — the 30% favourable-status target, 30% marine protection, 18% interim milestone, 10% strict protection, Natura 2000 effectiveness evaluation percentages, and National Parks representation all carry defined thresholds and deadlines. The species and habitats to which the 30% commitment applies were to be identified in 2023 by the Ministry and Autonomous Communities; the specific selection is not contained in the plan text.

3.3 Ecosystem recovery and restoration

By 2030, 15% of degraded ecosystems are to be restored [§18]. Specific area-based commitments include: restoration of 100,000 ha of existing forests by 2025 and 200,000 ha by 2030; recovery of an additional 20,000 ha of wetlands by 2030; and restoration of 3,000 km of river corridors by 2030, with a target of 3,500+ km of natural fluvial reserves [§20]. The plan prioritises nature-based solutions and addresses urban ecosystems through grants for renaturalisation [§22].

GBF alignment: Targets 2, 11, 12. Measurability: Measurable commitments — all carry defined hectare or kilometre thresholds with deadlines.

3.4 Threat reduction

Invasive alien species. A 50% reduction in species threatened by IAS on the IUCN Red List is targeted by 2030 [§22]. Management strategies are to cover all species in the Spanish Catalogue of IAS before 2025. The progressive closure of all American mink farms is programmed for completion by 2030, accompanied by socio-economic reconversion measures [§22].

Pollution. Entry of plastics and microplastics is to be substantially reduced by 2025 and eliminated by 2030 [§24]. Lead in fishing tackle and big game ammunition is to be progressively eliminated by 2025, extended to small game ammunition and sport shooting by 2030 [§24]. Chemical pesticide risk and use are to be reduced by 50%, the most hazardous pesticides by 50%, and fertiliser use by at least 20%, all by 2030 [§19].

GBF alignment: Targets 6, 7, 8. Measurability: The IAS reduction target, mink farm closure, lead elimination schedule, and pesticide/fertiliser reduction targets are measurable commitments. The 2025 plastics interim target ("substantially reduce") is a directional aspiration; the 2030 elimination target is measurable.

3.5 International cooperation

The plan commits to establishing a state rescue centre for CITES specimens before 2025, creating a MITECO Inspectorate Corps for CITES and FLEGT/EUTR oversight before 2025, and guaranteeing deforestation-free agricultural supply by 2025 [§30].

GBF alignment: Targets 5, 13, 16. Measurability: The CITES centre and Inspectorate Corps are measurable (binary with deadline). The deforestation-free supply commitment is a directional aspiration — the plan does not define a verification mechanism.

3.6 Financing

Harmful subsidies are to be identified by 2025, with 50% reformed, redirected, or eliminated by 2025 and 100% neutral or positive by 2030 [§31]. Investment in biodiversity is to double by 2025 (from 2020 baseline) and be maintained through 2030. Central Government biodiversity staff are to double by 2030. At least 1% of the public works budget is to be allocated to biodiversity actions before 2024 [§31].

GBF alignment: Targets 18, 19. Measurability: Measurable commitments — all carry defined percentage or ratio targets with deadlines. The doubling commitment is contingent on a 2020 baseline figure that is not published in the plan text.

3.7 Business, public sector, and governance

The plan commits to improving biodiversity consideration in business and public-sector decision-making, strengthening the Spanish Business and Biodiversity Initiative, and expanding green public procurement [§32][§33]. A review of Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity is identified as needed [§34].

GBF alignment: Targets 14, 15. Measurability: Directional aspirations — these commitments specify intent without quantitative thresholds.

Sources:

§14 — 3.1 Knowledge > General objectives
§15 — 3.1 Knowledge > Measures
§16 — 3.2 Protection and conservation of nature
§17 — 3.2 > Protected areas
§18 — 3.3 Ecosystem recovery > General objectives
§19 — 3.3 > Agriculture measures
§20 — 3.3 > Forests, aquatic ecosystems
§22 — 3.4 > IAS and urban ecosystems
§24 — 3.4 > Pollution
§30 — 3.5 International cooperation
§31 — 3.6 Financing
§32–§34 — 3.7 Business and public sector; 3.8 Governance

4. Delivery Architecture

Legislative framework

The plan operates under Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, which the plan itself identifies for revision [§34]. Key implementing legislation includes Royal Decree 570/2020 (prior authorisation for non-native species importation), Law 7/2022 on Waste and Contaminated Soils for a Circular Economy (plastics reduction), Royal Decree 159/2022 (National Forest and Wild Flora Germplasm Bank), and Royal Decree 986/2021 (CITES implementation) [§22][§24][§16][§30].

Flagship programmes

The Strategic Plan for the CAP in Spain 2023–2027 (PEPAC) allocates more than €5,500 million to eco-schemes covering seven named practices [§19]. The National Strategy for Green Infrastructure and Ecological Connectivity and Restoration (Order PCM/735/2021) is implemented through successive three-year work programmes, with Autonomous Communities required to adopt regional strategies by 2024 [§17]. The National Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2021–2030 (PNACC) includes natural heritage as one of 18 work areas [§23]. The Biodiversity and Science Strategy, adopted 20 December 2022, promotes interdisciplinary research through the National Parks Network Research Programme [§15].

Additional named instruments include the Strategic Wetlands Plan to 2030, the National Strategy for Conservation of Pollinators (adopted 2020), the Strategic Guidelines for Forest Fire Management (approved 2019), and the Spanish Action Plan against Illegal Trafficking and International Poaching (Plan TIFIES) [§20][§16][§29][§30].

Subnational delivery

Spain's 17 Autonomous Communities hold key implementation responsibilities: regional green infrastructure strategies (by 2024), designation of Special Areas of Conservation (by 2023), species conservation plans, and regional Natura 2000 management [§17][§16]. The plan repeatedly delegates action to the Autonomous Communities but does not report on regional implementation status.

Market and finance mechanisms

The Biodiversity Foundation (Fundación Biodiversidad) of MITECO channels Central Government funds through grant calls, including specific calls under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan for urban renaturalisation [§31][§22]. The Green Public Procurement Plan (2018–2025) is to be expanded, with mandatory green procurement for all public administrations to be regulated [§33]. Payment for environmental services mechanisms are to be analysed before 2024 [§31].

Sources:

§15 — 3.1 Knowledge > Measures
§16 — 3.2 Protection and conservation
§17 — 3.2 > Protected areas
§19 — 3.3 > Agriculture measures
§22 — 3.4 > IAS and urban ecosystems
§23 — 3.4 > Climate change adaptation
§24 — 3.4 > Pollution
§29 — 3.4 > Forest fires
§30 — 3.5 > International cooperation
§31 — 3.6 > Financing
§33 — 3.7 > Business and public sector
§34 — 3.8 > Governance

4a. Desertification, Water Stress, and Fire: Spain's Interlinked Threats

Spain faces a convergence of environmental pressures with no close parallel among EU member states. Seventy-four percent of its territory is classified as arid, semi-arid, or dry sub-humid, giving it the highest desertification risk in the EU [§11]. A third of the national surface faces serious or very serious erosion risk, and climate projections indicate average soil erosion increases of up to 66% by 2070 [§11][§8].

Water overexploitation compounds this: 179 of 729 aquifers (25%) are severely overexploited, concentrated in the south, centre, and east of the country [§11]. Spain's per-capita water footprint — approximately 2.5 million litres per person annually — is double the global average and the second-highest in Europe [§11]. Projected reductions in water resources are identified as particularly severe for aquatic ecosystems and wetlands [§12].

Fire is the primary degradation factor for forest ecosystems. Over 2006–2015, 80.77% of forest fire incidents were anthropogenic, with 52.70% intentional — primarily illegal agricultural burning and pasture regeneration [§11]. The average annual burnt area for 2011–2020 was 96,593 ha, though the trend has declined since 1994. Climate scenarios project increased fire severity and recurrence across the Iberian Peninsula [§11].

The plan's response spans multiple priority lines. Forest fire management follows the Strategic Guidelines for Forest Fire Management across six strategic lines including rural territory management, risk reduction, and adapted defence systems [§29]. A new Law on the protection and sustainable use of soils is to be drafted before 2024 [§21]. Hydrological planning under the Water Framework Directive integrates biodiversity conservation, and the Strategic Wetlands Plan to 2030 targets recovery of 20,000 additional hectares [§20]. Land use change neutrality requires all projects to compensate removed natural vegetation in equal or greater extent, with a carve-out for wetlands whose destruction is "difficult to compensate in terms of their functions and ecosystem services" [§21].

Sources:

§8 — 2. Diagnosis > Ecosystems
§11 — 2.2 Identified problems > Forest fires, desertification, water
§12 — 2.2 Identified problems > Climate change
§20 — 3.3 > Forests, aquatic ecosystems
§21 — 3.3 > Soils, marine ecosystems
§29 — 3.4 > Forest fires

4b. Geological Heritage and Geodiversity

Spain treats geological heritage as a distinct conservation domain throughout the plan. The Spanish Inventory of Sites of Geological Interest comprises 4,050 sites: 281 Geosites of international relevance, 2,823 of national relevance, and 946 of regional relevance [§9]. Of the 3,104 sites assessed at national and international level, 84 are in a "critical condition" with significant deterioration, and 8 are considered practically destroyed — with the plan noting that geological heritage is a non-renewable resource [§9].

The plan commits to completing the inventory for the entire national territory, creating a Catalogue of Geosites of Global Relevance, and developing a National Plan for the Conservation of Geological Heritage and Geodiversity [§16]. A pilot indicator system is to be developed for Sites of Geological Interest within the National Parks Network, for future export to the Natura 2000 Network [§16]. By 2025, no Site of Geological Interest is to have unknown conservation status.

The plan also commits to regulating the collection and preventing illegal trade in fossils, minerals, and meteorites [§28], and to promoting legislation for the Spanish National Committee of Geoparks in recognition of Spain's status as the country with the second-highest number of UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide [§17].

Sources:

§9 — 2. Diagnosis > Geological heritage
§16 — 3.2 > Geological heritage conservation
§17 — 3.2 > Protected areas (geoparks)
§28 — 3.4 > Geological heritage trade

5. Monitoring and Accountability

Implementation oversight falls to the State Commission for Natural Heritage and Biodiversity (Comisión Estatal del Patrimonio Natural y la Biodiversidad), operating through its specialised committees and, where necessary, new administrative coordination mechanisms [§36]. A review of the State Council for Natural Heritage and Biodiversity — the consultative body including professional, scientific, business, trade union, and environmental organisations — was to be carried out before 2024 to improve participation in decision-making [§34].

Monitoring and evaluation reports are aligned with two international cycles: national reports to the CBD on the Global Biodiversity Framework, and six-yearly reports to the European Commission under the Nature Directives, timed to coincide where possible [§36]. An interim monitoring and evaluation report is planned for the first half of 2026, focusing on implementation status and biodiversity indicators [§36].

The reporting framework employs mandatory global CBD indicators, supplemented by complementary indicators and the Spanish System of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Indicators within the Nature Data Bank [§36]. Monitoring of implementation investment is also to be carried out [§36]. The plan may be amended on a specific or partial basis during its validity period, informed by monitoring reports and the post-2020 global biodiversity framework [§37].

Sources:

§34 — 3.8 Strengthening the governance system
§36 — 5. Monitoring of implementation and evaluation
§37 — 6. Revision of the Strategic Plan

6. Finance and Resource Mobilisation

The plan presents a total budget of €4,173,191,563, distributed across four costed lines: reduction of threats (€1,754,435,400), protection and conservation (€1,070,835,320), ecosystem recovery (€864,157,189), and knowledge (€483,763,654) [§35]. Four additional lines of action — international commitments, financing, business integration, and governance — carry no separate allocation, on the basis that they can be developed within general budgetary resources [§35].

The central investment target is to double biodiversity investment by 2025 relative to a 2020 baseline, maintaining at least that level through 2030 [§31]. The 2020 baseline figure is not published in the plan. Central Government biodiversity staff are likewise to double by 2030. Before 2024, at least 1% of the public works budget is to be allocated to biodiversity actions [§31].

Domestic public funding draws on the General State Budgets and the Ecological Restoration and Resilience Fund. The Prioritised Action Framework for the Natura 2000 Network identifies a requirement of at least €1,408 million per year for effective network management [§31]. EU funding constitutes a major pillar, with the plan enumerating the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, the LIFE Programme, Horizon Europe, the European Investment Bank, and NextGenerationEU among its sources [§31]. Within the CAP, the PEPAC allocates more than €5,500 million to eco-schemes for 2023–2027, with a 34% increase in the EAFRD budget for organic farming [§19].

Private finance mechanisms are addressed in broader terms: the plan commits to developing instruments to channel private-sector financing, with an analysis of payment for environmental services opportunities before 2024 [§31]. Biodiversity compatibility criteria under the EU Taxonomy Regulation (2020/852) are to be applied to public financing of projects [§31].

GBF Target 19 (finance mobilisation) receives substantive treatment, with the plan's budget envelope, doubling commitment, subsidy reform schedule, and enumerated funding channels providing one of the more detailed finance sections among NBSAPs.

Sources:

§19 — 3.3 > Agriculture measures (PEPAC)
§31 — 3.6 Financing
§35 — 4. Budget estimate

7. GBF Target Coverage

GBF Target 1 — Spatial planning. The plan addresses spatial planning through the National Strategy for Green Infrastructure and Ecological Connectivity and Restoration (Order PCM/735/2021), implemented through successive three-year work programmes. Green infrastructure elements of the territory are to be identified by 2024 through regional strategies, with full implementation targeted by 2050. The plan introduces land use change neutrality for all projects, requiring compensation of removed natural vegetation in equal or greater extent. Renewable energy deployment, especially solar, is noted as an emerging land use pressure.

GBF Target 2 — Ecosystem restoration. The plan commits to restoring 15% of degraded ecosystems by 2030, with area-specific targets: 100,000 ha of forests by 2025 and 200,000 ha by 2030; 20,000 additional hectares of wetlands by 2030; and 3,000 km of river corridors by 2030. A National Restoration Plan in application of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation is to be adopted. Carbon-rich ecosystems — peatlands, mature forests, grasslands, and seagrass meadows — are prioritised for restoration.

GBF Target 3 — Protected areas (30x30). Marine surface protection is to reach 30% by 2030, with an interim 18% milestone by 2024. The plan contributes to 10% strict protection (terrestrial and marine) by 2030. Management plans for 58 marine Natura 2000 areas and the Mediterranean Cetacean Migration Corridor are to be approved before 2025. By 2030, 100% of Spanish natural systems are to be represented in the National Parks Network. A national catalogue of mature and singular native forests is to be created.

GBF Target 4 — Species recovery. The plan commits that 30% of species and habitats of Community interest lacking favourable status will achieve it or show a positive trend by 2030. No species in a critical situation as of 2018 is to remain in that status. At least 40% of species extinct in Spain are to be reintroduced. Named conservation instruments include strategies for sea turtles, the noble pen shell, the harbour porpoise, and the Cartagena rockrose.

GBF Target 5 — Sustainable harvest. A MITECO Inspectorate Corps is to be created before 2025 for CITES and FLEGT/EUTR oversight. The Plan TIFIES against illegal wildlife trafficking is to be updated. Ivory trade prohibition is to be promoted. A National Plan for control of marketed timber legality is to be implemented with Autonomous Communities and SEPRONA.

GBF Target 6 — Invasive alien species. The plan targets a 50% reduction in IAS-threatened species on the IUCN Red List by 2030. A Positive List of companion animals is to be approved. Management strategies are to cover all species in the Spanish Catalogue of IAS by 2025. American mink farms are to be closed by 2030 with socio-economic transition support. The control strategy for the alga Rugulopteryx okamurae is identified as the first marine IAS strategy.

GBF Target 7 — Pollution reduction. The plan commits to reducing chemical pesticide risk by 50%, the most hazardous pesticides by 50%, and fertiliser use by at least 20%, all by 2030. Plastics entry is to be eliminated by 2030. Lead in big game ammunition and fishing tackle is to be eliminated by 2025, extended to small game and sport shooting by 2030. Atmospheric emission targets include 88% SO₂ and 62% NOₓ reductions (vs 2005) from 2030. Underwater noise mitigation guidelines and a national register for impulsive noise monitoring are planned.

GBF Target 8 — Climate and biodiversity. The plan aligns with the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2021–2030 and Law 7/2021 on Climate Change and Energy Transition. Climate change adaptation criteria are to be introduced into protected area planning. Natura 2000 management plans are to incorporate climate change adaptation sections. Nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation are promoted. Representativeness of protected area networks under climate scenarios is to be assessed by May 2024.

GBF Target 9 — Wild species use. Content addressing GBF Target 9 was not identified in this NBSAP.

GBF Target 10 — Agriculture / forestry. The PEPAC allocates more than €5,500 million to eco-schemes for 2023–2027, covering seven named practices including extensive grazing, biodiversity islands, and sustainable mowing. Organic farming targets 25% of agricultural area, with a 34% increase in EAFRD support. High Nature Value farming systems are to be identified using a standardised methodology. The fifth National Forest Inventory cycle has commenced.

GBF Target 11 — Ecosystem services (NbS). Nature-based solutions are promoted for climate adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk management, with river restoration identified as a priority for flood and drought management. A national natural capital accounting system is to be developed within environmental economic accounts. The Biodiversity Foundation funds urban greening under the Recovery Plan.

GBF Target 12 — Urban biodiversity. The plan dedicates a specific section to urban ecosystems. Grants for urban greening prioritise high-naturalness, low-maintenance approaches over intensive gardening. Building rehabilitation is to incorporate nesting criteria for birds and bats. Native species with high resilience and low water requirements are preferred over non-native species. Recommendations for urban biodiversity integration are to be completed by 2025.

GBF Target 13 — Genetic resources / ABS. The plan commits to adopting a State Plan for control of the legality of use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge before 2023, in accordance with Royal Decree 124/2017 implementing the Nagoya Protocol. The focus is on enforcement and compliance rather than new benefit-sharing mechanisms.

GBF Target 14 — Mainstreaming. Biodiversity is mainstreamed across multiple sectors: agriculture (PEPAC), defence (conservation plans for Ministry of Defence lands), tourism (Sectoral Plan for Nature Tourism and Biodiversity), circular economy (Spain Circular 2030 Strategy), and urban planning (Spanish Urban Agenda). Mandatory green and biodiversity-friendly public procurement by all public administrations is to be regulated.

GBF Target 15 — Business disclosure. The Spanish Business and Biodiversity Initiative (IEEB) promotes sustainable corporate governance, including due diligence for value chains and non-financial reporting. Guidance is to be developed enabling companies to ensure investment projects are neutral or positive for biodiversity, within the EU Taxonomy Regulation framework.

GBF Target 16 — Sustainable consumption. Circularity measures with biodiversity criteria are to be incorporated into Spain Circular 2030 Strategy action plans. Deforestation-free agricultural supply is committed by 2025 under the Amsterdam Declaration. Quality marks for sustainable products and food waste reduction under Law 7/2022 are addressed.

GBF Target 17 — Biosafety. Content addressing GBF Target 17 was not identified in this NBSAP.

GBF Target 18 — Harmful subsidies. The plan commits to a phased schedule: identification and prioritisation of harmful subsidies by 2025, 50% reformed, redirected, or eliminated by 2025, and 100% neutral or positive by 2030. The EU Taxonomy Regulation and the "user pays" and "polluter pays" principles are invoked. Environmental externalities are to be incorporated into remaining subsidies.

GBF Target 19 — Finance mobilisation. The plan presents a total budget of €4,173,191,563. Biodiversity investment is to double by 2025, with at least 1% of the public works budget allocated to conservation before 2024. The Natura 2000 Prioritised Action Framework identifies a need of at least €1,408 million per year. Multiple EU funding instruments are enumerated. Central Government biodiversity staff are to double by 2030.

GBF Target 20 — Capacity and technology. The Biodiversity and Science Strategy (adopted December 2022) promotes interdisciplinary research through collaboration with science actors. The Ibero-American Network of Directors-General of Biodiversity is to be re-established. Bilateral biodiversity agreements are to be promoted with France, Portugal, and Morocco. A permanent training programme targets Environmental Prosecutors and SEPRONA.

GBF Target 21 — Data and information. A National System for knowledge generation, monitoring, and governance operates from 2022, integrating data into the Nature Data Bank. A habitats database with conservation status and cartography is to be operational by 2025. National atlases are to be updated within five years. An interim monitoring report is planned for the first half of 2026, employing mandatory CBD indicators supplemented by national indicators.

GBF Target 22 — Inclusive participation. The plan promotes public participation processes in biodiversity planning and management, with good practice guides to be prepared. Land and coastal stewardship initiatives are supported. Environmental education activities are planned through the Action Plan for Environmental Education for Sustainability (PAEAS). The plan does not contain specific provisions for Indigenous peoples and local communities, youth, or other marginalised groups in biodiversity governance.

GBF Target 23 — Gender equality. The plan commits to analysing gender differences in use, management, and sustainable enjoyment of natural resources, with specific indicators to be developed. The gender perspective is to be incorporated into resource allocation across biodiversity-related fields under the Recovery Plan. Dedicated support is committed for green entrepreneurship by women, with particular focus on rural areas.