276 The Barcelona Region’s land mosaic
people is limited. Also, converting the existing scattered green spots into
afunctioning system of integrated greenspaces, plants, and animals for
people and nature would be of considerable value.
(K) The plastic glasshouses in the Maresma warrant fuller evaluation of
locations, slopes, types, crops, benefits, environmental problems, and
values for the public.
(L) Groundwater and water tables across the Maresma should be elucidated
foraddressing the torrentes and other land-use issues there.
(M) The proposed growth area west of the lower Llobregat floodplain would
be focused on the area with less-steep slopes, from about Torrelles and
Santa Coloma to Gava/Viladecans/Sant Boi. A major emphasis on pioneer-
ing environmentally sensitive communities is appropriate to seriously
protect natural water, soil, vegetation and biodiversity, and to make
walking rather than motor vehicles central.
(N) Agreateremphasis on removal of buildings (many apparently illegal)
on steep slopes in and around the Collserola Park would provide a wide
range of major benefits.
(O) Astronger emphasis on the convergent interests in addressing the strate-
gic area around the lower Riera de Rubi would include clean water sup-
ply for Barcelona, and connectivity for walkers and wildlife between
Collserola and major conservation areas to the north and west.
(P) More insight into planning opportunities for the important Vallees land-
scape would be valuable, including its current distinctiveness as an agri-
cultural landscape, the green-net concept, the recreational opportuni-
ties for a system of small woods connected by trails, a model area or two
of a protected stream valley (e.g., the Conyas River), and at least partial
solutions for the degraded Besos River and its tributaries.
(Q) Describing the goals and regulatory conditions of the Agricultural Park
would be useful, both for possible extrapolation to the Tordera flood-
plain and the proposed agriculture--nature Parks, but also for market-
gardening next to other cities worldwide.
(R) Abrief section on aesthetics in the region based on regional/local data
and surveys could provide ideas for improving aesthetics in plans and
projects, and also encouraging the public to take a greater interest in
and care for the land and their communities.
(S) Alternatives to an expanding Barcelona airport on the best aquifer and
market-gardening area in the region might include a major new loca-
tion near Manresa/Igualada/Calaf or might include a few specialized or
regional locations in or near the region.