Sierra Escalona moves closer to natural park status in major environmental step for Costa Blanca South

A major environmental project in southern Alicante is moving closer to completion, as Sierra Escalona and its surrounding areas near Orihuela Costa advance towards official recognition as a protected natural park. The development follows the approval of a key planning document that sets out how the land will be preserved and managed in the future.

The breakthrough comes after the Valencian regional government approved the Plan de Ordenación de los Recursos Naturales (PORN), a legally binding framework that defines conservation rules and permitted activities across the area. This step is essential before the final declaration of a natural park can be made.

What has changed in the protection process

The newly approved plan significantly strengthens environmental protection across Sierra Escalona and the Dehesa de Campoamor. It establishes clear zoning, regulates land use, and prioritises conservation over development in areas of high ecological value.

The protected area spans multiple municipalities, including Orihuela, San Miguel de Salinas and Pilar de la Horadada, forming one of the most important natural corridors in the Vega Baja region. In total, the plan covers a large expanse of land rich in biodiversity, including habitats for protected species such as birds of prey and native Mediterranean wildlife.

Why this matters for expats

For those living in or visiting Costa Blanca South, the potential designation of Sierra Escalona as a natural park could have a noticeable impact. Increased protection typically brings stricter controls on construction and land use, helping to preserve green areas close to residential and tourist zones.

At the same time, natural park status often enhances the attractiveness of surrounding areas. Protected landscapes tend to draw eco-tourism, hiking and outdoor activity, supporting local businesses while maintaining environmental balance.

However, the plan has not been without debate. Some groups have raised concerns about what activities may still be allowed in surrounding buffer zones, including certain types of development or infrastructure.

A long-awaited step after years of efforts

The move towards natural park status follows decades of environmental campaigning. Sierra Escalona already holds several levels of protection, including designation as a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) and inclusion in the EU’s Natura 2000 network.

The new plan builds on these protections by introducing a unified framework that governs how the land is used and conserved. It also aligns with broader regional efforts to strengthen environmental policies and protect vulnerable ecosystems.

If the final declaration is approved, Sierra Escalona would become one of the largest protected natural spaces in the province, marking a significant milestone for conservation in southern Spain.

For now, the approval of the PORN signals that the process is firmly underway. With final steps expected in the coming months, the landscape near Orihuela Costa could soon gain a new level of protection, shaping how the area develops for years to come.