Natural Protected Areas

Natural Protected Areas

Protected spaces are either land or sea areas which, in recognition of their exceptional natural value, are specifically dedicated to nature conservation and as such are subject to special legal regulations for their protection. Seven per cent of Spanish territory is protected and shoots in protected natural areas are subjected to restrictions.

Protected natural areas are managed by each autonomous region, so if you need detailed information about one such area you should contact the information service of the autonomous community in question. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and the Environment does however offer general information on its website about protected spaces, and visitors to the site can also download maps.

Generally speaking there are three different types of protected spaces; Protected Natural Spaces, which include Parks, Nature Reserves, Protected Marine Areas, Natural Monuments and Protected Sceneries; the spaces which make up the Natura 2000 network, a European network of areas which focus on the conservation and protection of rare species; and the areas protected by International Orders which are natural spaces which are formally classified according to international agreements which Spain takes part in. Each different area type is subject to different standards of protection and to different restrictions when it comes to carrying out activities in them.

So, it is important that once you have decided on a location for your shoot, you confirm whether the area is protected. The most effective way to do this is to contact the autonomous community's Environmental department directly and ask whether shoots are permitted and what the particular conditions are. The Spain Film Commission's network of offices can provide information on this subject.