"We are in an era of manifest mistrust: it seems we do not know where things are headed, or perhaps we do not want to know, and all this generates discomfort and restlessness," said philosopher Josep Ramoneda to Esther Vera, director of the ARA, and Xavier Mas de Xaxàs, journalist for La Vanguardia, the two speakers at the closing conversation of the Cap Roig Meetings of the La Caixa Foundation, held this weekend.

This weekend, the splendid Cap Roig Gardens, perched above the coves of Palafrugell, have become the luxury setting for the second Cap Roig Encounters, organized by the La Caixa Foundation and the magazine La Maleta de Portbou, united under the initiative of the European School of Humanities. The symposium brings together writers, scientists, philosophers, and artists from diverse disciplines around the theme "The meaning of nature," which invites reflection on the relationship between humans and the natural world.

More than 100 kilometers of coastal paths run the length of the Costa Brava, from Blanes to Portbou. Sometimes they are steep and rocky, winding through pine forests and along cliffs, right next to the sea. Historically, fishermen and sailors used them to travel on foot between coastal towns, patrolled by the Civil Guard and the Carabineros to control smuggling. Now, they are frequented mainly by hikers on trails or beachgoers seeking access to more secluded coves. But in many places along this route, there are barriers. Despite being a public area, villas and private properties block access with threatening signs, forcing walkers to take detours along forest tracks or footpaths. In Garbet, A property belonging to the Peralada Group diverts pedestrians for 300 meters over the rocks. In Lloret, a mansion belonging to a Kazakh tycoon It also closes the path, and in Palafrugell, from Golfet beach to the Cap Roig Gardens, owned by the La Caixa Foundation, it is impossible to walk along the seafront.