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Access restrictions to Ebre natural parks for August 12 eclipse

Rural Agents plan access controls to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety during the astronomical event.

Sign indicating access to Ebre natural parks with a sky suggesting an eclipse.
IA

Sign indicating access to Ebre natural parks with a sky suggesting an eclipse.

Catalonia's Rural Agents plan to restrict access to natural parks and protected massifs in the Terres de l'Ebre region, including Els Ports, Delta de l'Ebre, and the Serra de Llaberia, during the solar eclipse on August 12 to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.

The Chief Inspector of the Corps, Josep Antoni Mur, announced that access controls will be implemented to prevent excessive crowds, considering both fire risk and general safety. This measure is part of the presentation of the new Strategic Plan for the Rural Agents Corps 2026-2030 for the Ebre demarcation.
The Director General of Rural Agents, Elisenda Pérez Esteve, detailed that work has been underway in coordination with other operational bodies and departments such as Territori and Recerca i Universitats to organize the day. Checks have been carried out to rule out chemical, flood, or fire risks in the areas designated for observing the astronomical event. Final decisions on measures will depend on the evolution of the fire season.
Mur emphasized that the exact locations and zones for access closures are being finalized, along with mobility management to reach areas with optimal eclipse visibility. Parking and evacuation capacity are also being assessed to ensure these natural spaces are safe from any associated risks.
The strategic plan aims to double the workforce in Catalonia to 1,300 agents to strengthen territorial presence and extend operational hours beyond the current daytime service. In the Tarragona Regional Area, the staff will increase from 80 to 186 agents, while in Terres de l'Ebre, it will rise to 162.
This reinforcement will enhance surveillance of natural areas, forest fire prevention, wildlife protection, and forest resource management. The corps handles over 40,000 annual incidents, many related to wildlife and fires, necessitating structural adaptation for improved response.
In parallel, four new bases will be developed: Tarragona (rehabilitating the former Mossos d'Esquadra police station in les Gavarres), El Vendrell (also in a former Mossos station), Móra d'Ebre, and Amposta. Tendering is expected to begin this year, with an estimated cost of 3 to 4 million euros per base.
The plan also reorganizes regional areas by creating the Metropolitan North and South regions. Baix Penedès, previously part of the Tarragona Regional Area, will be integrated into the new Metropolitan South region.
In 2025, Rural Agents increased their operations in Catalonia by 41%, reaching 203,663 interventions. In the Tarragona Regional Area, activity grew by 35% (31,046 interventions), making it one of the busiest regions alongside Barcelona and Girona.
In the Terres de l'Ebre Regional Area, interventions increased by 70%, totaling 24,024. Control rooms handled 13,991 requests in Tarragona and 4,755 in Ebre.

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