During the 2023-24 season we have started a new reforestation project, Ibercaja Foundation Forest, in the town of Albentosa, located in the province of Teruel (Aragón). The execution of this project has been promoted by the Ibercaja Foundation.
The project covers an area of 8.73 ha and its main objective is to establish a sustainable forest mass in an area devoid of vegetation and degraded by intense erosive processes. The plantation of the Ibercaja Foundation Forest is a mixed multi-species plantation, which means that it includes a diversity of species of both conifers and native hardwoods. This diversity is crucial to create a resilient forest stand, capable of resisting and adapting to possible future environmental disturbances. The main species selected for this project is the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), known for its remarkable ability to colonise degraded land. Its resilience and adaptability make it an ideal choice for restoring areas affected by erosion and other adverse factors.
The purpose of this reforestation initiative is multiple. Firstly, the role of the forest mass in regulating local water resources by minimising the risk of erosion and providing nutrients to the soil. In addition to the environmental benefits, this project also has important socio-economic repercussions for the town of Albentosa. The creation of this forest stand will not only improve soil quality, but will also provide a variety of ecosystem services. These services include the creation of local employment and rural development.