Description
The BIOPAÍS project comprehensively analyses the ecological, landscape and socio-economic impacts of the implementation of floating offshore wind farms in areas of high biodiversity and high landscape value in the Spanish Mediterranean, taking Cap de Creus and the Gulf of Roses as case studies. Using a multidisciplinary, independent approach based on the best available scientific knowledge, the project assesses the challenges of reconciling the energy transition with the conservation of marine ecosystems, the well-being of coastal communities and the sustainability of key activities such as fishing and tourism, in a context of renewable energy expansion in the European Union.
As a result, BIOPAÍS formulates a set of technical recommendations aimed at public administrations, the development sector and the scientific community, aimed at improving the planning, design, management and monitoring of offshore wind farms. The application of these guidelines can generate environmental, social and economic benefits and contribute to a fair, inclusive and environmentally friendly energy transition. Although the analysis focuses on the Spanish Mediterranean, many of the recommendations can be extrapolated to other coastal areas, provided they are integrated into a legal and governance framework that guarantees the sustainability, equity and transparency of the projects.