Reconnecting with nature
Birdwatchers for the future
Build, Watch, Protect : A Community's Vision for Nature
"Birdwatchers for the Future" is a participatory project for a sustainable birdwatching observatory in the Rio Nalon wetlands. It will bring the community together to build, manage, and preserve this space to raise awareness about land use, biodiversity, and ecosystem regeneration. It will serve as an educational space that encourages a deep connection between people and their natural environment while fostering long-term commitment to the preservation of wetland areas and local biodiversity.
Spain
Local
San Esteban de Pravia - San Juan de la Arena
Asturias
Asturias
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Early concept
No
No
As an individual
The Nalón estuary, located between land and ocean, constitutes a rich environment. Its ecosystem plays a crucial role in protecting the environment from the effects of climate change. It protects coastal areas from erosion, serves as a carbon sink and contributes to local biodiversity by sheltering various species. Its wetlands are particularly known for their bird population.
By engaging the community in the construction and preservation of an observatory, the project will lay the foundation for long-term commitment to the conservation of the Rio Nalón wetlands and local biodiversity.
This project is part of a larger study on land use and its adaptation to climate change in the Rio Nalon area. The study will conclude with the drafting of a special territorial plan. It should serve as a new guide for Spanish coastal cities to reflect on the preservation of their coastlines.
This project should serve as a tool, providing a framework for citizen participation, and as an end in itself, offering citizens a direct application of the concept of environmental protection. The aim of this project is to create a new concertation methodology for the implementation of territorial development plans.
It should make accessible to everyone concepts as land use, soil protection, biodiversity preservation. It will be a concrete opportunity to introduce the idea of regulating land use. Protecting birds and their habitat will be the gateway to a more global approach to environmental protection.
By engaging local groups, including those with limited access to environmental education, the initiative promotes social inclusion and community cohesion. It encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the process, learn about the local ecosystem, and contribute to its protection.
This project is a way to bring together and engage citizens in the protection of their environment, through the focus on bird conservation. Protecting birds is protecting humans
By engaging the community in the construction and preservation of an observatory, the project will lay the foundation for long-term commitment to the conservation of the Rio Nalón wetlands and local biodiversity.
This project is part of a larger study on land use and its adaptation to climate change in the Rio Nalon area. The study will conclude with the drafting of a special territorial plan. It should serve as a new guide for Spanish coastal cities to reflect on the preservation of their coastlines.
This project should serve as a tool, providing a framework for citizen participation, and as an end in itself, offering citizens a direct application of the concept of environmental protection. The aim of this project is to create a new concertation methodology for the implementation of territorial development plans.
It should make accessible to everyone concepts as land use, soil protection, biodiversity preservation. It will be a concrete opportunity to introduce the idea of regulating land use. Protecting birds and their habitat will be the gateway to a more global approach to environmental protection.
By engaging local groups, including those with limited access to environmental education, the initiative promotes social inclusion and community cohesion. It encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the process, learn about the local ecosystem, and contribute to its protection.
This project is a way to bring together and engage citizens in the protection of their environment, through the focus on bird conservation. Protecting birds is protecting humans
Land use
Ecosystem regeneration
Social connection
Education
Nature preservation
The project operates on three scales (local, territorial, and regional) addressing both immediate and long-term sustainability goals.
Local Scale and Short Term: The project aims to minimize environmental impact through sustainable construction. The observatory will be built using locally sourced materials such as eucalyptus timber or reclaimed shipyard material. They will ensure the structure is carbon free and fully biodegradable, reducing waste and promoting the regeneration of the ecosystem. The construction process will involve local labor, further reducing the carbon footprint by using a workforce familiar with the area. This hands-on, community-driven approach ensures the project is both sustainable and relevant to the local context, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among residents.
Territorial Scale and Medium Term: On a broader scale, the project aims to instill sustainable behaviors in the surrounding community. By concentrating visitor activity within the observatory, it will reduce human encroachment into the wetland ecosystem. This helps protect fragile areas from overuse and disturbance, while reinforcing the boundaries of the natural habitat. In addition, the observatory’s educational programs will raise awareness about the importance of wetland conservation, promoting responsible engagement with nature.
Regional Scale and Long Term: The project will act as a tool to help us develop new ways of communication about land preservation. It will be the catalyst element of a civic gathering, and will help to raise awareness about land use, to diffuse ideas about nature regeneration, and to involve people in a sustainable way of using their territory. Additionally, it will facilitate the collection of local data for the development of a land regulation plan. The long-term impact will extend beyond the immediate area, inspiring similar initiatives across the region that promote ecological balance and community-driven sustainability.
Local Scale and Short Term: The project aims to minimize environmental impact through sustainable construction. The observatory will be built using locally sourced materials such as eucalyptus timber or reclaimed shipyard material. They will ensure the structure is carbon free and fully biodegradable, reducing waste and promoting the regeneration of the ecosystem. The construction process will involve local labor, further reducing the carbon footprint by using a workforce familiar with the area. This hands-on, community-driven approach ensures the project is both sustainable and relevant to the local context, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among residents.
Territorial Scale and Medium Term: On a broader scale, the project aims to instill sustainable behaviors in the surrounding community. By concentrating visitor activity within the observatory, it will reduce human encroachment into the wetland ecosystem. This helps protect fragile areas from overuse and disturbance, while reinforcing the boundaries of the natural habitat. In addition, the observatory’s educational programs will raise awareness about the importance of wetland conservation, promoting responsible engagement with nature.
Regional Scale and Long Term: The project will act as a tool to help us develop new ways of communication about land preservation. It will be the catalyst element of a civic gathering, and will help to raise awareness about land use, to diffuse ideas about nature regeneration, and to involve people in a sustainable way of using their territory. Additionally, it will facilitate the collection of local data for the development of a land regulation plan. The long-term impact will extend beyond the immediate area, inspiring similar initiatives across the region that promote ecological balance and community-driven sustainability.
Birdwatchers for the Future prioritizes creating an environment that is not only ecologically sustainable but also aesthetically inspiring and enriching for visitors. By blending nature with design, the project enhances the overall quality of experience, fostering a deep emotional and cultural connection between people and the wetland ecosystem.
The observatory is designed to seamlessly integrate into its natural surroundings, using materials such as locally sourced eucalyptus timber. These materials are not only sustainable but also evoke a natural beauty that complements the landscape. The structure’s design reflects the natural forms of the wetlands, creating a harmonious space that invites visitors to experience the beauty of nature from an intimate perspective. The choice of materials and design emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and elegance, offering a visually pleasing and calming environment.
The observatory provides visitors with a unique, immersive experience. It’s not only a place for birdwatching but also an educational space where people can connect with nature. The design allows for unobstructed views of the wetlands, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the environment and its biodiversity. The space is designed with comfort in mind, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all visitors, while providing a welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages to learn and engage with the ecosystem.
The project also recognizes the cultural significance of the wetlands and aims to incorporate local traditions into its design and activities. Through educational programs and events, it highlights the cultural and historical importance of the wetland ecosystem to local communities. The observatory will host workshops that teach sustainable practices and offer cultural storytelling sessions that celebrate the local heritage, making it a space for both cultural reflection and environmental education.
The observatory is designed to seamlessly integrate into its natural surroundings, using materials such as locally sourced eucalyptus timber. These materials are not only sustainable but also evoke a natural beauty that complements the landscape. The structure’s design reflects the natural forms of the wetlands, creating a harmonious space that invites visitors to experience the beauty of nature from an intimate perspective. The choice of materials and design emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and elegance, offering a visually pleasing and calming environment.
The observatory provides visitors with a unique, immersive experience. It’s not only a place for birdwatching but also an educational space where people can connect with nature. The design allows for unobstructed views of the wetlands, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the environment and its biodiversity. The space is designed with comfort in mind, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all visitors, while providing a welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages to learn and engage with the ecosystem.
The project also recognizes the cultural significance of the wetlands and aims to incorporate local traditions into its design and activities. Through educational programs and events, it highlights the cultural and historical importance of the wetland ecosystem to local communities. The observatory will host workshops that teach sustainable practices and offer cultural storytelling sessions that celebrate the local heritage, making it a space for both cultural reflection and environmental education.
The project is a tool for the people, by the people. It offers a playful way to engage citizens in the decision-making process. It will be designed during on-site workshops, welcoming all individuals, regardless of age, ability, or background. The observatory will be built by the very people who will later use it, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among them.
The main goal of this project, beyond the physical construction of the observatory, is to bring people together around the concept of environmental preservation. The observatory will serve as a landmark, physically embodying the inclusion and involvement of all people in the protection of their habitat.
The observatory will be situated in an accessible environment and will adopt a design-for-all approach. Local community members, schools, and associations will be actively involved in the planning and construction, ensuring that the space reflects the needs and values of the people it serves.
It will promote social equity and provide opportunities for diverse community engagement, from participation in the construction process to involvement in educational programs. The space will be open to all members of the community. The design will feature accessible pathways, viewing platforms, and learning spaces, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can enjoy the experience. Additionally, entry to the observatory and its activities will be free of charge, making it a valuable resource for both local residents and visitors alike.
The project encourages new models of societal engagement by emphasizing shared responsibility for environmental preservation. Building the observatory, using it to watch birds, and protecting their habitat will offer new ways to involve people in the development of their territory. Birds, Nature, Community: A Shared Vision for the Future.
The main goal of this project, beyond the physical construction of the observatory, is to bring people together around the concept of environmental preservation. The observatory will serve as a landmark, physically embodying the inclusion and involvement of all people in the protection of their habitat.
The observatory will be situated in an accessible environment and will adopt a design-for-all approach. Local community members, schools, and associations will be actively involved in the planning and construction, ensuring that the space reflects the needs and values of the people it serves.
It will promote social equity and provide opportunities for diverse community engagement, from participation in the construction process to involvement in educational programs. The space will be open to all members of the community. The design will feature accessible pathways, viewing platforms, and learning spaces, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can enjoy the experience. Additionally, entry to the observatory and its activities will be free of charge, making it a valuable resource for both local residents and visitors alike.
The project encourages new models of societal engagement by emphasizing shared responsibility for environmental preservation. Building the observatory, using it to watch birds, and protecting their habitat will offer new ways to involve people in the development of their territory. Birds, Nature, Community: A Shared Vision for the Future.
As it is designed for them, the project places citizens and civil society at its core, ensuring active participation in its design, construction, and long-term sustainability. Citizen consultation is the heart of the process. More than just the physical structure that will remain, the project revolves around the active involvement of citizens themselves.
Initially, local community members, schools, and associations will be invited to participate in on-site workshops, contributing their ideas and feedback. This co-design process ensures that the observatory reflects the needs and priorities of those who will benefit from it.
Once the design is complete, citizens will be directly involved in the construction of the observatory, using locally sourced materials. The project also emphasizes local labor and eco-friendly materials, deepening the community’s connection to the project.
Educational engagement will be central to the project, with citizens participating in nature education programs and birdwatching tours. Schools, associations, and environmental groups will work together to raise awareness about the importance of preserving wetlands and bird habitats. This educational aspect empowers citizens to engage with their natural environment in a meaningful way.
The involvement of the community will lead to its empowerment, with citizens gaining the knowledge and tools to continue advocating for sustainable land use and conservation. Through active participation, they will develop a deeper understanding of environmental preservation, fostering long-term commitment.
To date, an initial project has been publicly presented to the inhabitants during various meetings at the concerned city halls. It fosters a new way of seeing and protecting the land around the estuary. Contacts have already been established between various inhabitants who are eager to follow the project and engage in a reflection about their territory.
Initially, local community members, schools, and associations will be invited to participate in on-site workshops, contributing their ideas and feedback. This co-design process ensures that the observatory reflects the needs and priorities of those who will benefit from it.
Once the design is complete, citizens will be directly involved in the construction of the observatory, using locally sourced materials. The project also emphasizes local labor and eco-friendly materials, deepening the community’s connection to the project.
Educational engagement will be central to the project, with citizens participating in nature education programs and birdwatching tours. Schools, associations, and environmental groups will work together to raise awareness about the importance of preserving wetlands and bird habitats. This educational aspect empowers citizens to engage with their natural environment in a meaningful way.
The involvement of the community will lead to its empowerment, with citizens gaining the knowledge and tools to continue advocating for sustainable land use and conservation. Through active participation, they will develop a deeper understanding of environmental preservation, fostering long-term commitment.
To date, an initial project has been publicly presented to the inhabitants during various meetings at the concerned city halls. It fosters a new way of seeing and protecting the land around the estuary. Contacts have already been established between various inhabitants who are eager to follow the project and engage in a reflection about their territory.
Birdwatchers for the Future has actively engaged multiple stakeholders at different levels to ensure its success and long-term sustainability. Their involvement is crucial in shaping the project and ensuring it meets both community needs and broader environmental goals.
The core of the project lies in the citizen participation. Local community members, schools, associations, and environmental groups have been engaged from the beginning through on-site meetings. The project is supported by the two concerned city councils: Muros de Nalon and Soto del Barco. Other cities also expressed their interest, without being actively involved in the project as for today (Pravia).
At a regional level, the project is carried by the Department of Land Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and Civil Rights of Asturias, that is calling for a new regulation on land use. They provide guidance on environmental preservation, regulatory frameworks, and land-use strategies. Their role is pivotal in connecting the observatory to broader regional efforts related to sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.
At a national level, the project has sought support from government agencies responsible for environmental protection and sustainable development such as the Spanish Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda. Their involvement has provided legitimacy and ensured that the project complies with broader policy frameworks, amplifying its impact.
At the European level, the project aligns with broader goals of sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and community-led development. The project finds its origin in a wider call for projects developed within the EUROPAN 17 – Living cities competition. The aim of EUROPAN is to help cities and developers to find innovative architectural and urban solutions for the transformation of urban locations. Birdwatchers for the Future is not part of EUROPAN, but is a new project imagined as a tool in order to facilitate its implementation.
The core of the project lies in the citizen participation. Local community members, schools, associations, and environmental groups have been engaged from the beginning through on-site meetings. The project is supported by the two concerned city councils: Muros de Nalon and Soto del Barco. Other cities also expressed their interest, without being actively involved in the project as for today (Pravia).
At a regional level, the project is carried by the Department of Land Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and Civil Rights of Asturias, that is calling for a new regulation on land use. They provide guidance on environmental preservation, regulatory frameworks, and land-use strategies. Their role is pivotal in connecting the observatory to broader regional efforts related to sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.
At a national level, the project has sought support from government agencies responsible for environmental protection and sustainable development such as the Spanish Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda. Their involvement has provided legitimacy and ensured that the project complies with broader policy frameworks, amplifying its impact.
At the European level, the project aligns with broader goals of sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and community-led development. The project finds its origin in a wider call for projects developed within the EUROPAN 17 – Living cities competition. The aim of EUROPAN is to help cities and developers to find innovative architectural and urban solutions for the transformation of urban locations. Birdwatchers for the Future is not part of EUROPAN, but is a new project imagined as a tool in order to facilitate its implementation.
The project involves collaboration across various disciplines and knowledge fields, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainability, design, and community engagement.
At the core of the project lies the need for a new land use regulation in the area. During the urban planning process, the importance of citizen participation became evident, leading to the creation of the Birdwatchers for the Future project. Architects and designers play a crucial role in the structural design of the observatory. They will oversee both the design and construction phases.
Experts in wetland ecology and biodiversity will ensure that the project contributes to the protection and regeneration of local ecosystems. Their input will influence the educational programs and the physical design of the observatory, with a focus on bird habitats and sustainable land use. They will guide the site's design and management to promote biodiversity conservation and ecosystem regeneration.
The participatory approach ensures that the needs and values of local residents are central to the project’s design and implementation. The process of community development will facilitate inclusive and equitable participation, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in the design and construction stages.
Educational experts will play a pivotal role in developing the educational programs and nature learning experiences at the observatory. They will ensure the space functions not only as a tourist attraction but also as a learning hub, where the community can gain valuable insights into local ecosystems and environmental preservation.
The interaction between these disciplines fosters a collaborative approach that integrates technical, social, and educational aspects, creating a project that is both functional and impactful. This ensures the project addresses the immediate construction needs while leaving a lasting positive impact on the local community and ecosystem.
At the core of the project lies the need for a new land use regulation in the area. During the urban planning process, the importance of citizen participation became evident, leading to the creation of the Birdwatchers for the Future project. Architects and designers play a crucial role in the structural design of the observatory. They will oversee both the design and construction phases.
Experts in wetland ecology and biodiversity will ensure that the project contributes to the protection and regeneration of local ecosystems. Their input will influence the educational programs and the physical design of the observatory, with a focus on bird habitats and sustainable land use. They will guide the site's design and management to promote biodiversity conservation and ecosystem regeneration.
The participatory approach ensures that the needs and values of local residents are central to the project’s design and implementation. The process of community development will facilitate inclusive and equitable participation, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in the design and construction stages.
Educational experts will play a pivotal role in developing the educational programs and nature learning experiences at the observatory. They will ensure the space functions not only as a tourist attraction but also as a learning hub, where the community can gain valuable insights into local ecosystems and environmental preservation.
The interaction between these disciplines fosters a collaborative approach that integrates technical, social, and educational aspects, creating a project that is both functional and impactful. This ensures the project addresses the immediate construction needs while leaving a lasting positive impact on the local community and ecosystem.
The innovative character of the project lies in its dual role. On one hand, it is a tool for citizen participation, providing a structured framework for the public to engage with the planning and preservation of their land. On the other hand, it acts as an end in itself, offering citizens a direct, hands-on experience of environmental protection through the creation of the birdwatching observatory. The project engages citizens not only in a decision-making process but also in implementing sustainable land use practices, contributing to a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship.
A major innovation is the development of a new concertation methodology for the implementation of territorial development plans. Unlike traditional, top-down planning methods, this project empowers local communities by placing them at the heart of the process, encouraging them to actively participate in the design, construction, and long-term management of the observatory. This approach goes beyond simply consulting with residents; it engages them in shaping the future of their territory.
By combining the territorial planning process with eco-friendly building practices and educational initiatives, the project sets a model for integrating environmental protection with community-driven solutions. It also provides a new model for sustainable land use that can be adapted and applied to other regions, especially coastal areas facing similar challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Ultimately, this project encourages a long-term commitment to land conservation and offers practical solutions for communities to directly impact their environment, serving as a model of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation for the future.
A major innovation is the development of a new concertation methodology for the implementation of territorial development plans. Unlike traditional, top-down planning methods, this project empowers local communities by placing them at the heart of the process, encouraging them to actively participate in the design, construction, and long-term management of the observatory. This approach goes beyond simply consulting with residents; it engages them in shaping the future of their territory.
By combining the territorial planning process with eco-friendly building practices and educational initiatives, the project sets a model for integrating environmental protection with community-driven solutions. It also provides a new model for sustainable land use that can be adapted and applied to other regions, especially coastal areas facing similar challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Ultimately, this project encourages a long-term commitment to land conservation and offers practical solutions for communities to directly impact their environment, serving as a model of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation for the future.
The project follows a participatory, community-driven methodology focused on sustainable practices.
It begins with key preparatory steps, including close collaboration with the city council to define project boundaries, identify actors, and map available resources (completed in 2024).
Simultaneously, the Department of Land Planning, Urbanism and Housing is developing an action plan, including citizen participation, starting in April 2025 and lasting until mid-2027.
Once the background is settled, the project will proceed with public consultations, surveys, and meetings in local community centers. A communication channel (e.g., Instagram, website, newsletter) will be created to facilitate day-to-day interaction. Stakeholders like residents, schools, environmental groups, and local authorities will be involved, ensuring the project aligns with local needs and priorities. Three public workshops will be organized on-site, allowing community input into the observatory’s design. A one-month on-site residency will be established for the workshops and construction.
Next, construction and participatory workshops will be held, with training sessions for local workers and volunteers. Local labor will be integrated into the building process, promoting community involvement. Construction will be supervised to maintain quality, sustainability, and adherence to the design. Workshops will cover themes such as land use, nature preservation, and biodiversity protection, fostering dialogue between the community and project actors.
Finally, an educational program will be launched, offering birdwatching tours and classes on local ecosystems. Educational materials will be developed in collaboration with schools and environmental groups. A feedback mechanism will be created to assess the observatory’s impact, while monitoring visitor numbers and biodiversity. The project will be regularly evaluated, to inform on its potential replication in other regions.
It begins with key preparatory steps, including close collaboration with the city council to define project boundaries, identify actors, and map available resources (completed in 2024).
Simultaneously, the Department of Land Planning, Urbanism and Housing is developing an action plan, including citizen participation, starting in April 2025 and lasting until mid-2027.
Once the background is settled, the project will proceed with public consultations, surveys, and meetings in local community centers. A communication channel (e.g., Instagram, website, newsletter) will be created to facilitate day-to-day interaction. Stakeholders like residents, schools, environmental groups, and local authorities will be involved, ensuring the project aligns with local needs and priorities. Three public workshops will be organized on-site, allowing community input into the observatory’s design. A one-month on-site residency will be established for the workshops and construction.
Next, construction and participatory workshops will be held, with training sessions for local workers and volunteers. Local labor will be integrated into the building process, promoting community involvement. Construction will be supervised to maintain quality, sustainability, and adherence to the design. Workshops will cover themes such as land use, nature preservation, and biodiversity protection, fostering dialogue between the community and project actors.
Finally, an educational program will be launched, offering birdwatching tours and classes on local ecosystems. Educational materials will be developed in collaboration with schools and environmental groups. A feedback mechanism will be created to assess the observatory’s impact, while monitoring visitor numbers and biodiversity. The project will be regularly evaluated, to inform on its potential replication in other regions.
Birdwatchers for the Future is more than just a completed project; it’s a methodology that can be replicated and applied to other regions, benefiting various groups locally and globally.
Participatory Methodology: At the core of the project is citizen engagement and community-driven design, which can be easily adapted to other areas. More than the physical observatory or its design, the essence lies in the process itself. This participatory approach ensures that the design responds to the community's needs, fostering a sustainable and inclusive method of land use and environmental protection.
Sustainable Building Practices: The project emphasizes the use of local materials, adaptable to the resources available in each region. Similar designs can be adopted for other environmental projects, especially in areas aiming to reduce their ecological footprint and adopt nature-based solutions. The design principles and low-carbon construction methods can easily be replicated elsewhere, promoting sustainability in diverse contexts.
Education and Awareness Programs: The project also functions as an educational space, which could be implemented in various ecological settings to raise awareness about local biodiversity, ecosystem protection, and sustainable practices. Schools and environmental groups could adopt similar models to foster nature conservation through interactive and hands-on learning experiences.
The territorial study and creation of a special land-use plan offer a valuable tool for regions dealing with challenges like climate change, urbanization, and biodiversity loss. This framework for incorporating environmental considerations into long-term development plans can be applied to other cities or regions, especially coastal and wetland zones.
The project not only benefits the local community but also provides a scalable model for other areas looking to strengthen their connection with nature and promote sustainable development.
Participatory Methodology: At the core of the project is citizen engagement and community-driven design, which can be easily adapted to other areas. More than the physical observatory or its design, the essence lies in the process itself. This participatory approach ensures that the design responds to the community's needs, fostering a sustainable and inclusive method of land use and environmental protection.
Sustainable Building Practices: The project emphasizes the use of local materials, adaptable to the resources available in each region. Similar designs can be adopted for other environmental projects, especially in areas aiming to reduce their ecological footprint and adopt nature-based solutions. The design principles and low-carbon construction methods can easily be replicated elsewhere, promoting sustainability in diverse contexts.
Education and Awareness Programs: The project also functions as an educational space, which could be implemented in various ecological settings to raise awareness about local biodiversity, ecosystem protection, and sustainable practices. Schools and environmental groups could adopt similar models to foster nature conservation through interactive and hands-on learning experiences.
The territorial study and creation of a special land-use plan offer a valuable tool for regions dealing with challenges like climate change, urbanization, and biodiversity loss. This framework for incorporating environmental considerations into long-term development plans can be applied to other cities or regions, especially coastal and wetland zones.
The project not only benefits the local community but also provides a scalable model for other areas looking to strengthen their connection with nature and promote sustainable development.
The project addresses critical global challenges by providing locally tailored solutions, focusing on environmental sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and community engagement.
Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, driven by habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, are urgent issues. The project targets wetland ecosystem protection, vital habitats that support high biodiversity. By creating an observatory for birdwatching and environmental education, it raises awareness about habitat preservation and encourages local action to safeguard biodiversity.
Climate change threatens ecosystems and communities through flooding, loss of coastal wetlands, and biodiversity changes. The project supports climate adaptation by promoting sustainable land and resource use in the Rio Nalon area. It uses nature-based solutions, including integrating local, low-carbon materials for construction, to help the region build resilience against climate challenges.
Rapid urbanization and unsustainable land use practices worsen environmental and social issues. The project addresses this by fostering sustainable land use through a territorial plan that combines environmental protection with urban development. By involving citizens in designing and constructing the observatory, it promotes responsible urbanization and land management, creating a deeper connection between people and the land.
Marginalized communities often lack a voice in environmental decisions. The project empowers citizens by engaging them in workshops, co-design, and construction activities, fostering social inclusion and community ownership in protecting and regenerating their natural surroundings.
Through its local, participatory approach, Birdwatchers for the Future demonstrates how small-scale initiatives can make a significant, lasting impact on both the environment and communities, setting a model for positive change.
Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, driven by habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, are urgent issues. The project targets wetland ecosystem protection, vital habitats that support high biodiversity. By creating an observatory for birdwatching and environmental education, it raises awareness about habitat preservation and encourages local action to safeguard biodiversity.
Climate change threatens ecosystems and communities through flooding, loss of coastal wetlands, and biodiversity changes. The project supports climate adaptation by promoting sustainable land and resource use in the Rio Nalon area. It uses nature-based solutions, including integrating local, low-carbon materials for construction, to help the region build resilience against climate challenges.
Rapid urbanization and unsustainable land use practices worsen environmental and social issues. The project addresses this by fostering sustainable land use through a territorial plan that combines environmental protection with urban development. By involving citizens in designing and constructing the observatory, it promotes responsible urbanization and land management, creating a deeper connection between people and the land.
Marginalized communities often lack a voice in environmental decisions. The project empowers citizens by engaging them in workshops, co-design, and construction activities, fostering social inclusion and community ownership in protecting and regenerating their natural surroundings.
Through its local, participatory approach, Birdwatchers for the Future demonstrates how small-scale initiatives can make a significant, lasting impact on both the environment and communities, setting a model for positive change.
In the year following the application, the development and implementation of the project will focus on key steps to ensure its successful continuation, regardless of the outcome of this prize.
The project is part of a broader vision for the preservation and sustainable development of the Nalon Estuary, and it will move forward as planned, in close collaboration with the city councils and the Department of Land Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and Civil Rights of Asturias. Regardless of the prize outcome, the project will remain a central element of the Estuary’s sustainable development.
As of today, the first step is the finalization of a contract with the Department of Land Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and Civil Rights of Asturias. In collaboration with them, a workplan is in progress and is expected to be finalized in April 2025.
Citizen participation will be organized for late summer 2025, forming the foundation for the observatory’s construction. Given that all site-related data must be collected before the end of the year, it is crucial to organize the workshops promptly to ensure their success.
This project is designed to be developed as part of a long-term vision for the Nalon Estuary. With strong community involvement, a comprehensive work plan, and collaborative efforts with local authorities, the project will continue to move forward and create lasting positive impact for both the environment and the local community. The New Bauhaus Rising Star prize would be an opportunity to give a new dimension to this project and would be the first milestone to a new way to imagine our environment together.
Build, Watch, Protect : A Community's Vision for Nature
The project is part of a broader vision for the preservation and sustainable development of the Nalon Estuary, and it will move forward as planned, in close collaboration with the city councils and the Department of Land Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and Civil Rights of Asturias. Regardless of the prize outcome, the project will remain a central element of the Estuary’s sustainable development.
As of today, the first step is the finalization of a contract with the Department of Land Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and Civil Rights of Asturias. In collaboration with them, a workplan is in progress and is expected to be finalized in April 2025.
Citizen participation will be organized for late summer 2025, forming the foundation for the observatory’s construction. Given that all site-related data must be collected before the end of the year, it is crucial to organize the workshops promptly to ensure their success.
This project is designed to be developed as part of a long-term vision for the Nalon Estuary. With strong community involvement, a comprehensive work plan, and collaborative efforts with local authorities, the project will continue to move forward and create lasting positive impact for both the environment and the local community. The New Bauhaus Rising Star prize would be an opportunity to give a new dimension to this project and would be the first milestone to a new way to imagine our environment together.
Build, Watch, Protect : A Community's Vision for Nature
