Yesterday, Josep Berga, mayor of Olot; Sergio Javier Rodríguez, president of the Cabildo Insular de La Palma; Santi Reixach, president of the Garrotxa Regional Council; Gemma Canalias, president of the Turisme Garrotxa association, and Carlos Closa, representative of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), signed an agreement to promote territorial collaboration between La Palma and La Garrotxa.

The signing of this agreement represents a step forward in the cooperation between both territories of volcanic origin, with the aim of promoting economic, social and cultural development and improving the quality of life of their communities. The document focuses on four areas of action:

1. Research and scientific development: collaboration with universities and research centers to deepen the sustainable management of volcanic environments.

2. European projects: joint participation in calls for European funding that facilitate cooperation between territories.

3. Digitization and digital transformation: exchange of experiences for territorial planning through data and digital technologies.

4. Exchange of knowledge: development of education, employment, cultural heritage and environment projects.

This collaboration agreement highlights the commitment of all entities to promote sustainable development and territorial competitiveness through cooperation and joint work. For this reason, a clause of the agreement is the creation of the Follow-up Commission, made up of representatives of each signatory entity, which will be responsible for supervising and guiding the development of the planned initiatives, as well as resolving any incidents during the col· collaboration

The agreement emphasizes the exchange of good practices in the management of volcanic territories, with a particular focus on sustainability and the preservation of natural heritage. La Garrotxa and La Palma share unique geographical characteristics, which makes this agreement an opportunity to promote innovative initiatives that help face environmental challenges and promote a development model that respects its ecosystems.

Among the first joint actions, it is planned to create educational projects that sensitize local communities about the importance of conserving volcanic and natural heritage. Through workshops, conferences and other training activities, the aim is to promote a deep knowledge of these environments on the part of citizens, highlighting the particularities of volcanic landscapes and promoting a responsible and sustainable use of resources.

In the long term, the agreement will allow both territories to increase their capacities in key areas such as digitization, the green economy and technological innovation. This strategic alliance, therefore, represents a commitment to growth and sustainability, with a positive impact both in the present and in the future of La Palma and La Garrotxa.