The Iberian lynx is no longer endangered. The work carried out since the 1990s, when only 100 individuals of this species remained, has succeeded in increasing its population to over 2,000. It has not been removed from the list of threatened species, but is now classified as vulnerable, having been critically endangered at the turn of the century. This is great news, but above all, it is a clear demonstration that conservation policies work, that when resources and efforts are invested in protecting a species, life finds a way.

We Catalans love to observe the sky, consult thermometers and rain gauges. We enjoy meteorology and we love looking up. Seeing a clear blue sky, or one dotted with clouds of different shapes, helps us predict the weather. And Catalan proverbs are a good example of this. Clouds are hydrometeors formed by tiny particles of liquid water or ice, or both, suspended in the atmosphere and which, generally, do not touch the ground. They can also contain larger particles of liquid water or gel, as well as non-aqueous liquid particles or solid particles from sources such as industrial gases, smoke, or dust. If you would like to learn more, the illustrated book recently published by Cinco Tintas, which covers everything related to clouds, is worth checking out. Observe the cloudsIts authors, Gavin Pretor-Pinney – co-founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society – and William Grill – illustrator – have created an illustrated guide for all audiences that reveals the facts, secrets, and stories of the main cloud types and explains how they shape the weather around them.

Jordi and Albert Santjoan are the authors of the illustrated album 'Catalonia park by park(Cosetània Edicions), where they offer a tour to discover the treasures hidden in 16 natural spaces spread across the country. A graphic proposal, as Jordi Santjoan explains, "designed for families and for those interested in nature and getting to know our territory better." Santjoan defines himself as a lover of maps "where things happen, which is why I wanted to create maps that are alive, where we see landscapes, animals, and people, not just reliefs and names." In addition to highlighting the emblematic elements and places that define each of these spaces and some reference data, they offer an excursion to discover them on the go, with a second map showing the route of these routes "suitable for everyone and where we also indicate how to get there and practical information such as the elevation gain or the duration of the excursion."

Thanks to initiatives such as BioMARató, a citizen campaign promoted by the EMBIMOS group of the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), the marine and coastal biodiversity of Catalonia is being documented through sightings by volunteers throughout the country. The collected images and observations are logged on MINKA, a collaborative platform that creates a living map of the biodiversity of the Catalan coast.

According to a study published in the journal Regional Environmental Change (2025), opting for trains instead of planes could avoid up to 662,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually and offset up to 87% of the negative economic impact associated with the airline sector. The study itself reveals that a high-speed train generates only 23 grams of CO₂ per passenger, compared to the 192 grams emitted when traveling by plane. In short, traveling by train is one of the most sustainable vacation choices we can make. There are many options around the world, some of which involve long journeys that even create continents. Let's discover them.

The sea is endless, but consumers' wallets aren't. The ten most consumed fish in Catalonia in 2024 can be grouped according to a single characteristic: they are the most affordable. They also have other things in common, such as being small, traditionally cooked, and high-quality fish.

Two decades ago, a new platform emerged on the internet with the goal of allowing anyone to share home videos. Its creators had no idea what a transformation it would bring to both the audiovisual and entertainment sectors.

According to a recent study on urban accessibility, Europe dominates the world ranking of the most walkable cities, with 45 of the top 50 positions. This analysis, based on data from The Economist and Visual Capitalist on cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants, measures how long it takes a resident to walk to schools, hospitals, or supermarkets. The conclusion is clear: the Old Continent remains a pedestrian paradise. Accessible green spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, and efficient public transportation make walking the most logical option for getting around.

Leaves, roots, flowers, and bark are used in infusions, oils, ointments, or extracts to take advantage of their properties. Today, the use of medicinal plants has experienced a resurgence thanks to the interest in more natural and sustainable alternatives. Many of these plants are also used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce medicines and supplements, combining traditional knowledge with scientific research. Some, such as chamomile for digestion, valerian for relaxation, or arnica for reducing inflammation, have a long history of use and studies that support them. Although they are natural, their use requires knowledge, and always under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Self-medication should be avoided and keep in mind that natural is not always synonymous with sure.

Bernat Pescaire (Ardea cinerea)

It is the largest bird that breeds in Barcelona and has done so at the zoo since 1974, when a pair settled there in an elm tree that has now disappeared. To feed its chicks, the heron flies to catch fish in the Besòs or Llobregat rivers. It also visits the large parks in the city and the metropolitan area.

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