More than a hundred scientists and nearly forty institutions and companies joined a public statement against the construction of a gondola that would span five kilometers and link two continents. The proposed route would connect ski resorts from Astún to Formigal through the Canal Roya Pyrenean valley in Huesca. It would not qualify for funding under the European recovery program criteria.
Instead of proceeding, the signatories call for reactivating protections for the natural area established in 2006 and insist that the protections should never have been allowed to lapse.
The plan, presented by the Aragon government and the Diputación de Huesca under the banner of the Aragón Ski Circus, carried a budget of 34 million euros to be financed through European Next Generation funds.
As reported by EFE, the scientists who signed the manifesto, including Eudald Carbonell and Unai Pascual, argue that the present environmental crisis could severely limit the right of future generations to enjoy nature. That right is reflected in the Spanish Constitution and in the UNESCO Declaration of November 12, 1997.
They emphasize the unique and irreplaceable natural, cultural, landscape, and intangible values of the Canal Roya Pyrenean valley, values that extend beyond local importance and deserve recognition as a national treasure for all citizens.
They contend that the project would cause irreversible damage to the valley and would trigger a rapid, large-scale exploitation process. It would promote year-round cycling and a broad tourism model, even in zones of high vulnerability and high environmental value.
Critics question whether the requirements for using European Recovery funds under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan can be met by the government of Aragon and the Provincial Assembly, given the current state of the proposal.
They also raise concerns about limited transparency in the processing and the technical specifications of the plan, which remains in a draft or preliminary phase with scarce public information and little public awareness.
Winter tourism threats to the valley are noted by critics who warn that funding might be misallocated, benefiting entertainment industry interests while neglecting vulnerable mountain communities and large rural areas that have not received recovery support.
For these reasons, they voice strong opposition to the idea of merging connected ski stations. They argue that it would cause irreversible damage and devalue the space, and should be limited to preserving natural space rather than expanding development. The aim should be restoration and conservation rather than pursuing a broader tourism model.
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