Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 67.09
Liaison Mercè Jorba
Submission Date Feb. 29, 2024

STARS v2.2

IESE Business School - Barcelona
OP-10: Biodiversity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
Yes

A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
The cadastral plots occupied by the Nord and Sud campuses of IESE Barcelona, there are no spaces protected by any local, regional, state, or international regulations, nor any other areas included within another protective designation. However, Barcelona and its metropolitan area have several natural spaces with different degrees of protection due to their environmental significance, ecosystem characterization, and interest in biodiversity.

Specifically, if we focus on the area where the Nord and Sud campuses of IESE Barcelona are located, in proximity to our study area, we must highlight two of these protected natural spaces: IESE Barcelona is practically adjacent to the southern slope of the Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola, being the closest and most influential protected natural space to the IESE centers. On the other hand, the other significant protected natural space near our campuses is the Parc Agrari del Baix Llobregat.


“Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola”
Year of creation: 1987
Protected area: 11,832 ha
Key piece of metropolitan green infrastructure. Exceptional viewpoint overlooking natural and urban landscapes of the surroundings.
Vital territory in metropolitan dynamics, with a mosaic of landscapes and habitats rich in biodiversity, preserving the essence and dimension of its natural and cultural values, responding to the thousands of visitors who enjoy them.
More information: https://parcnaturalcollserola.cat/

"Baix Llobregat Agricultural Park"
Year of creation: 1998
Protected area: 3,348 ha
Fertile and high-quality space that nourishes us. A heritage of the first order to preserve and promote agricultural uses.
Located in the lower valley and delta of the Llobregat River, the agricultural park and its lands are crucial for supplying food to the surrounding cities. The proximity of the products reduces the ecological footprint and provides healthy nutrition.
More information: https://parcagrari.cat/

Endangered and vulnerable species

Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
Yes

A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
On page 12 of the attached document, the table "ESPECIES PROTEGIDAS O AMENZADAS PRESENTES EN IESE BARCELONA (DIC-2023)" can be found with the endangered and vulnerable species identified.

Areas of biodiversity importance

Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
Yes

A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
The cadastral plots occupied by the IESE Barcelona's Nord and Sud campuses do not have spaces protected by any local, regional, state, or international regulations, nor any other areas included within another protective designation. However, Barcelona and its metropolitan area have several natural spaces with varying degrees of protection due to their environmental significance, ecosystem characterization, and biodiversity interest.
Specifically, focusing on the area where the IESE Barcelona's Nord and Sud campuses are located, in proximity to our study area, two of these protected natural spaces should be highlighted: IESE Barcelona is practically adjacent to the southern slope of the “Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola”, being the closest and most influential protected natural space to the IESE centers. On the other hand, the other significant protected natural space near our campuses is the “Parc Agrari del Baix Llobregat”.
“Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola”
Year of creation: 1987
Protected area: 11,832 ha
Key piece of metropolitan green infrastructure. Exceptional viewpoint overlooking natural and urban landscapes of the surroundings.
Vital territory in metropolitan dynamics, with a mosaic of landscapes and habitats rich in biodiversity, preserving the essence and dimension of its natural and cultural values, responding to the thousands of visitors who enjoy them.
More information: https://parcnaturalcollserola.cat/

"Baix Llobregat Agricultural Park"
Year of creation: 1998
Protected area: 3,348 ha
Fertile and high-quality space that nourishes us. A heritage of the first order to preserve and promote agricultural uses.
Located in the lower valley and delta of the Llobregat River, the agricultural park and its lands are crucial for supplying food to the surrounding cities. The proximity of the products reduces the ecological footprint and provides healthy nutrition.
More information: https://parcagrari.cat/

Methodologies

If yes to either of the above, provide the following:

The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
At IESE Barcelona, there is an ongoing update of the inventory of flora and fauna in the study area through visual diagnosis campaigns and observation. Additionally, systems for locating nesting sites, shelters, or other types of physical evidence of plant and animal species are employed

A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
The calculation of the ecological value of a site is a complex process that involves assessing and quantifying various aspects of the natural environment and its contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although there is no single or standard method for calculating ecological value, the following general methodology will be used as a reference:
1. Biodiversity Assessment: An inventory of the biodiversity present at the site is conducted, including plant and animal species. Consideration is given to the diversity of species and the presence of threatened or protected species, among other factors.

2. Ecosystem Services Valuation: The ecosystem services provided by the site, such as climate regulation, water reuse, pollination, flood regulation, among others, are identified and quantified.

3. Ecological Connectivity Assessment: The connectivity of the site with other ecosystems and ecological corridors is analyzed. Maintaining connectivity is important for the flow of species and genetic exchange.

4. Environmental Economic Valuation: The economic value associated with the site is considered to be proportionate to its ecological value.

It is important to note that calculating ecological value is a multidisciplinary exercise that can vary depending on the context and study objectives

A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
We propose a set of strategies aimed at the recovery and improvement of biodiversity, which are outlined below:
Measure 1: Selection of plant species and implementation of suitable flora to promote biodiversity.
Measure 2: Commitment to not implanting and eliminating invasive species in landscaping.
Measure 3: Use of fertilizers, compost, and other organic and ecological products.
Measure 4: Replacement and implementation of planters and flowerpots made of natural materials.
Measure 5: Installation of bird nesting boxes and species inventory.
Measure 6: Installation of bat nesting boxes.
Measure 7: Installation of nesting boxes for geckos.
Measure 8: Installation of shelters and insect hotels.
Measure 9: Naturalization of water features.
Measure 10: Integrated pest and disease management.

Optional Fields

Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
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Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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