Iberian Highlands

Restoration Landscapes | Spain

Restoring ecosystems and revitalising nature-based local economies in central Spain.

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Project Overview

Spanning 850,000 hectares across Castilla-La Mancha and Aragón, the Iberian Highlands form one of Spain’s most extensive and ecologically diverse landscapes. This high plateau, lying between Madrid, Valencia and Zaragoza, defines the watersheds of major Iberian rivers and supports forests, grasslands and deep canyons.

Decades of rural depopulation and land abandonment have led to economic decline but also created opportunities for large-scale ecological recovery. The Iberian Highlands project is restoring ecological processes through techniques including species reintroductions and hydrological restoration, while also fostering nature-based livelihoods that revitalise local economies and help people to find new opportunities reconnecting with this recovering landscape.

Project location:

Castilla-La Mancha and Aragón, Spain

Lead partner:

Rewilding Europe / Rewilding Spain

Grant duration:

Ongoing since 2022

Landscape size:

850,000 ha

Key habitats:

Canyons, rivers, forests, steppe grasslands

Focal species:

Cinereous vulture, Iberian lynx, bearded vulture, Przewalski’s horse, tauros

Ecosystem services:

Carbon storage, soil fertility, wildfire prevention, water regulation, habitat preservation, climate change mitigation, sustainable livelihoods

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Why this place matters

Rural depopulation has led to a loss of traditional grazing and management, allowing dense scrub to spread and increasing the risk of wildfires.

The Iberian Highlands are a mosaic of pine, oak and juniper forests, grasslands, and river canyons shaped by centuries of pastoralism. The landscape supports around 20% of all Iberian flora and thriving populations of raptors such as the golden eagle. Yet, following widespread rural-urban migration since the 1950s, the region has experienced an 80% population decline.

The loss of traditional grazing and management has allowed dense scrub to spread, increasing the risk of wildfires. Economic stagnation has also driven interest in extractive industries, including mining and fracking. However, extensive protected areas and remaining biodiversity provide a strong foundation for recovery. The region’s location between major cities and its growing appeal to remote workers create additional opportunities for sustainable development.

The project seeks to transform this depopulated area into a model for ecological restoration and rural renewal, demonstrating how people and nature can thrive together.

Action on the ground

The Iberian Highlands project is rewilding ecosystems, reconnecting ecological processes and revitalising local economies through nature-based enterprise.

cinereous vultures released and bearded vulture reintroduction planned.

local businesses and entrepreneurs supported with funding, consultancy, networking, training and other assets.

volunteers and interns participated in the Volunteering Programme since kickoff in 2024.

Collaboration agreement with the Castilla-La Mancha regional government to partner in key species reintroduction.

large herbivores reintroduced: Przewalski’s horse, Serrano horse, Pottoka horse and tauros.

of natural grazing land managed in eight natural grazing areas, in cooperation with local municipalities and other public bodies.

Rewilding Educa environmental education created, with 1,100 students participating in the first two years.