Strengthening brown bear conservation in the Cantabrian mountains

The Cantabrian Mountains in northern Spain host the only stable brown bear population on
the Iberian Peninsula, with roughly 400 individuals. Despite recovery, bears remain
threatened by habitat fragmentation, limited natural food sources, and conflict with rural
residents, particularly beekeepers. The project, led by FAPAS with EuroNatur, builds on
more than 30 years of bear-conservation experience to strengthen coexistence through
habitat enrichment and conflict prevention in key bear areas of Asturias and Leó

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Improving the coexistence between man and bears

This initiative enhances both habitat quality and social acceptance of brown bears. The new fruit trees expand food resources in the wild, reducing human-bear encounters and potential retaliation. Protecting beehives prevents economic loss, increasing local tolerance for wildlife.

The project directly supports Spain’s national brown bear recovery plan and contributes to EU Biodiversity Strategy objectives by restoring ecological connectivity, mitigating human wildlife conflict, and strengthening community engagement in conservation

Where is the donation of GBTN spend on?

The project aims to improve coexistence between people and brown bears in the Cantabrian Mountains (Asturias and Castilla y León) by

Expanding natural food availability through planting of native fruit trees (“Gourmet plantations”) in remote areas, and
Protecting beehives with electric fencing and beekeeper training to reduce bear related damage.

Together, these actions will divert bears from human settlements, enhance habitat quality, and promote tolerance toward this emblematic species.

The local community will be involved

Local beekeepers, farmers, and landowners are key partners in the project. They will participate in training sessions, help select planting sites, and receive direct support for damage prevention. Cooperation agreements will be signed with private landowners and municipalities for tree maintenance and site monitoring. The project encourages shared responsibility and benefits, promoting coexistence and local stewardship of natural resources

What is the objected effect on biodiversity:

This project will increase habitat diversity and ecological resilience by adding fruit-bearing trees
The fruit trees enrich the forest structure and provide food for bears, birds, and other species.
Reducing conflicts and retaliation will directly benefit bear survival,
Restoring feeding areas improve genetic connectivity and population stability
The combined ecological and social effects strengthen the long-term viability of the Cantabrian brown bear population

Impression

More info on the project

EuroNatur is committed to the long-term conservation of the Cantabrian Mountains and their unique brown bear population by supporting local communities in the sustainable coexistence with wildlife. Through the project Bears, Bees & Trees, we can further this
vision by combining habitat restoration with conflict prevention and community engagement.

Find out more on their own website: Protecting Brown bears

Strengthening brown bear conservation in the Cantabrian mountains

donated in 2025

Travellers

fruit trees