Gavà and Castelldefels are municipalities in the Baix Llobregat comarca, in the province of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. Gavà is split between two population centres: Gava, the city proper, and Gavà Mar (Gavà Sea), a neighbourhood by the beachside.

Becoming a member of the ICC will mark another step in Gavà’s green and digital journey. In 2016, Gavà presented its Inventory of Natural Areas and Ecological Corridors strategy which seeks to improve the management of green spaces in the municipality, setting out specific guidelines. 

In March 2020, the Government of Catalonia gave Gava a “Soc Smart” distinction, to recognise the progress made in its transition into a smart city. In particular, the distinction was awarded for the creation of a virtual assistant for public authorities, using artificial intelligence to improve public services. The project is part of the Urban Innovative Actions program, partly financed by the European Union.

Castelldefels formally launched its transformation into a smart city in 2019, with a strategic plan to identify the potential of the city as a smart city. The 8-year plan will involve diverse socio-economic actors, all working to make the city a global example for intelligent cities. This will involve harnessing technology and digital information to innovate in public services, boosting economic growth and promoting a smarter, sustainable and inclusive society.

Check out the city’s full ICC journey

Read about the city’s progress during the Intelligent Cities Challenge (2020-22) through the city’s final deliverable here.