“Naturaleza Conectada” is an innovative project that combines nature, technology, accessibility, and responsible tourism. Led by a consortium formed by REAJ (the Spanish Youth Hostels Network), Tur4all, SEO/BirdLife, and iUrban, the initiative forms part of Spain’s national tourism programme “Experiencias Turismo España,” promoted by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism to develop sustainable and inclusive tourism experiences.
The project aims to promote smart and accessible ecotourism in Spain’s Biosphere Reserves, engaging key organisations in environmental conservation, universal accessibility, and local development. “Naturaleza Conectada” was selected for the program due to its strong focus on sustainability, social inclusion, and economic revitalisation in rural areas, fully aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
One of its key innovations is the creation of self-guided birdwatching routes, which travellers can plan and personalize through a mobile app. Using smart technology developed by the consortium, visitors can access detailed information about the accessibility of routes, hostels, and birdwatching points, turning the experience into an enjoyable, educational, and inclusive adventure for all.
In its first phase, “Naturaleza Conectada” is being implemented in five regions of Spain — Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, the Community of Madrid, and the Balearic Islands. The selected Biosphere Reserves include: Cabo de Gata-Níjar, Doñana, Odiel, Intercontinental del Mediterráneo, Mancha Húmeda, Terres de l’Ebre, Cuencas Altas de los Ríos Manzanares, Lozoya y Guadarrama, and Menorca.
Within these areas, 15 REAJ hostels serve as eco-friendly accommodation hubs and gateways to nature: Inturjoven Almería Hostel, Inturjoven Huelva Hostel, Inturjoven Punta Umbría Hostel, Inturjoven Algeciras Hostel, Deltebre Xanascat Hostel, Poblenou del Delta Xanascat Hostel, Xerta Hostel, Mas De La Coixa Hostel, Los Josepets Hostel, Sa Vinyeta Hostel, Los Batanes Hostel, Villa Castora Hostel, Las Dehesas Hostel, El Escorial Hostel and La Mancha Húmeda Hostel.
All the organisations involved are working together to create an intelligent route network, allowing travellers to enjoy birdwatching and nature-based experiences guided by principles of sustainability, accessibility, and environmental preservation. The project’s long-term vision is to expand this network across more territories, positioning Spain as an international benchmark for sustainable tourism.
🌿 Travellers can discover and plan their experiences at naturalezaconectada.com
