Earthwatch in Andora

Andorra is a small principality situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. It is home to an array of colourful flora, trees and wildlife that are at risk as a result of climate change that has already begun to alter the landscape. To prevent further disruption to this alpine world, researchers need to understand the extent of impact of climate change and human encroachment on wildlife in Andorra in order to create sustainable solutions. Earth Watch, an organisation that connects people and scientists to protect the planet and invites participants to join a project to help understand the mountain ecosystem and the Pyrenean plants and wildlife.

The expedition offers the opportunity to have a hands-on experience in measuring and researching the changes in Andorra’s alpine world and to what extent human activity has impacted this. Activities will include weighing and measuring small animals, finding the Boreal Owl and other birds such as Coal Tit and Crested Tit by visiting their nest boxes and testing their excrement to analyse the DNA in their diet.

The research aims to gain a further understanding on the ecosystem. In particular, which species are involved, why are some more present in some areas than others and how do different life stages of each species intertwine to create a functioning ecosystem. The expedition experience also includes accommodation - Hotel Bringué in the Valley of Ordino – as well as breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner.

Website: www.earthwatch.org/wildlife-changing-andorran-pyrenees-briefing

Andorra’s nature parks

The Madriu-Perafita-Claror

Located between France and Spain, the principality of Andorra offers three nature parks and the highest concentration of protected areas in the world. Some 90% of the principality’s total land mass is covered in forest.

The Madriu-Perafita-Claror 

This nature park, which covers 10% of the country, is a glacial valley and UNESCO declared World Heritage site for its ancient forges, used by the inhabitants of Andorra for more than 700 years. The Valles de Comapedrosa Taking in Andorra’s highest peak the Comapedrosa at 2,942m, offers rugged terrain and challenging hiking to reach views of Andorra as well as neighbouring France and Spain. 

The Valle del Sorteny

The Valle del Sorteny

This is the smallest of the three parks but is rich in biodiversity with over 700 species of flora and fauna – with some unique to the Pyrenees. Andorra’s small size means visitors can easily discover all three nature parks during a short break in Andorra – with walking and cycling routes suitable for all abilities available to download online. Keen hikers can stay in the nature parks in traditional Andorran mountain huts, or refuges, or stay in the hotels in nearby villages.

Website: www.visitandorra.com/en/

Thailand extends visa-on-arrival fee waiver

The Government had approved the extension of the visa-on-arrival fee waiver for citizens of 20 countries for another six months, until 31 October 2019. 20 Countries, namely Andora, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China including Taiwan, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.