Barcelona could become the first city in the world to regenerate “Natural Capital”

At a critical juncture for urban sustainability, the report "Natural Capital in Barcelona", published by Nactiva in collaboration with the UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF-BSM), confirms that Barcelona has the assets to lead the global ranking of metropolitan regions focused on regenerating natural capital. According to the study, the region boasts "highly valuable Mediterranean ecosystems, expertise in public-private collaboration, innovation capacity, and attractiveness as a hub for global initiatives" to tackle the challenge.

Joan Cabezas, the CEO of Nactiva, states that “restoration and conservation of natural assets can drive positive change if nature is integrated into urban planning. Barcelona and its metropolitan region have the opportunity to lead this emerging sector, aiming to enhance citizens’ quality of life and sustain the region’s economic prosperity.”

Marcos Eguiguren, the Associate Provost at UPF-BSM, adds that “Barcelona could position itself as a city keenly aware of environmental challenges and attract individuals, businesses, institutions, and projects aligned with this philosophy. The competitiveness of major metropolitan areas will increasingly depend on their ability to create pleasant, healthy, and safe environments for living, working, and investing.”

The Metropolitan Area could supply fruit and vegetables to 35% of its population

The report identifies peri-urban agriculture as a cornerstone for sustainability in Barcelona's metropolitan region. Within a context in which transporting goods, especially food, has a high environmental impact, promoting local production is a strategic opportunity.

Nactiva's data reveals that the area has lost 78% of its agricultural land over recent decades, leaving only 5,455 hectares in 2020. Currently, this land produces 38,752 tons of food annually, with a production rate of 9.5 tons/hectare. This output meets the fruit and vegetable needs of 19.1% of the Metropolitan Area’s population. However, increasing the agricultural area by 30% over the next decade and improving production rates to 15 tons/hectare could meet the needs of 35% of the population.

Key areas such as the Llobregat Agricultural Park and the Maresme region are “vital not only for environmental sustainability but also for food security and quality.” The report proposes a “rural-urban commitment” inspired by examples like Italy’s Puglia region or Bordeaux in France, fostering cooperation to balance agricultural production and environmental sustainability.

Forest management could boost carbon capture and reduce fire risk

The report highlights forest areas such as Collserola, Montseny, Montserrat, and Sant Llorenç del Munt as “essential for air quality improvement,” acting as natural filters and climate buffers. Currently, 15% of the region’s 17,236 hectares of forests are managed or planned for management, capturing 14,000 tons of CO₂ annually. Expanding management to 30% of these forests could increase CO₂ absorption to 18,000 tons annually (26% growth), reduce fire risk from 60% to 51%, and enhance biodiversity by 22% per hectare.

Marine biodiversity could increase by 150% in 10 years

Barcelona’s coastline, with 42 beaches spanning 156 hectares, faces significant challenges from climate change and storms, which have reduced beach widths by up to 50 meters since 2023. Inspired by international successes like Miami’s dune restoration and New York Bay’s artificial reef projects, the report recommends accelerating marine ecosystem restoration.

Currently, 117 marine biodiversity regeneration units are installed, mainly in the Olympic Port and Barcelona Port, with 17 kilometers of dunes improved. Over the next decade, more than 3,000 units could be added, boosting marine biodiversity by 150% and increasing both carbon capture and oxygen generation by 200%.

Green infrastructure could enhance groundwater infiltration by 80%

Addressing water management challenges, the report emphasizes green solutions such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements. These measures can increase rainwater infiltration and counter the high imperviousness of the metropolitan area, where 90% of urbanized land is impermeable. Expanding green infrastructure in strategic locations could improve groundwater recharge by 80% per unit area.

A collective commitment to Barcelona’s natural capital

The report concludes with a call for collective action to transform Barcelona into a global model for regenerating natural capital. With nature-based solutions, the city has the opportunity to lead the transition to a more sustainable and resilient future.

This study builds on prior research from the UPF-BSM, including “Natural Capital: Rethinking the Role of the Economy and Business” and “Natural Capital: A City Perspective”, which underscore the importance of natural capital regeneration for human well-being and climate resilience.