The project for a high-voltage power line that was to pass through the LIC/ZEC of Bédar, a protected natural area in the province of Almería, has been modified thanks to citizen mobilisation and political and environmental pressure. The new route avoids affecting this enclave of great ecological and landscape value, which is home to endangered species such as the Bonelli’s eagle and the black-headed turtle.
The change of route has recently been published by the Ministry of Finance and Public Administration of the Andalusian Regional Government, after receiving numerous allegations against the original project. Among the main opponents were the Bédar Town Council, led by its mayor Ángel Collado; the residents of the municipality; the environmental organisations Ecologistas en Acción, Greenpeace and Equo; and a number of urban planning and legal professionals.
All of them celebrated the change of route as a victory for David against Goliath, as they were up against an electricity company with great economic power and political influence. They also thanked civil society and the media for their support. They have also demanded the need to protect the LIC/ZEC of Bédar, which is part of the Natura 2000 Network, a European network of natural areas with high ecological value.
This case shows that it is possible to defend the environment against private interests that put it at risk. It also shows the importance of citizen participation and collaboration between different social actors to achieve positive changes for the territory and its inhabitants.