Eurafrica Trail takes place in the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean (IBRM). This territory is unique for its scenery and peoples. In fact, it is the only reserve of the 631 recognised by UNESCO in the world made up of protected environments on two continents. There are parks and panoramas of great beauty and environmental value such as Los Alcornocales, the Strait, Grazalema and the Sierra de las Nieves on the Spanish side, and Jebel Musa, Talassemtane and Bou Hachem on Moroccan territory.
On both sides of the strait (the territory’s natural border), we find many common natural features in the protected natural areas that make up the reserve, such as the “fraternal” Spanish fir woods of the Talassemtane natural park, Sierra de las Nieves and Sierra de Grazalema, and other “fraternal” species like cork trees, holm oaks and different shrub species on both shores. Indeed, the two shores share 75% of their flora. As for the fauna in the IBRM, we can find species such as boars and otters, as well as numerous large birds that live in and cross our territory, such as the Egyptian vulture and the golden eagle.
This perfect blend of unity and diversity encourages us to explore and explain Eurafrica Territory from many points of view. From the project’s outset, it has been our intention to put forward different ways of participating and route designs so that the organisers, institutions and participants can enjoy the experiences and places to the full without leaving the territory. So far, in the first two editions of the event we have changed the design of the routes, and it is our intention to continue to do so, including possible changes to the location of the camps in the medium term.
Based on successful cases in other places around the world, we understand that hubs can be created that bring together and broaden knowledge between peoples while improving their coexistence. Eurafrica thus has the primordial aims of raising awareness about the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean, generating opportunities for exchange and dreams among its inhabitants through our race and improving the way they relate to their natural environment: Eurafrica Territory.
