Strategic Axis 1 of the municipality of Bicorp, focused on Sustainability, Territory, and Rural Environment, encompasses various actions aimed at ecological transition, forest fire prevention, rural infrastructure maintenance, and energy efficiency in public facilities. According to the presented report, several of these actions have been completed, while others are ongoing or yet to be initiated.
In the area of renewable energy and biomass utilization, the European project Erasmus+ KA2 (BIOENERGY FOR RURAL FUTURES), led by the City Council, is currently underway. This project aims to provide citizen and technical training for the valorization of biomass and wood pellets, foster green jobs linked to forest management, and design a Local Action Plan for the transition to bioenergy heating. To achieve full implementation, a technical and economic feasibility study is planned, along with the adaptation of heating systems in main public buildings and the tendering of supply contracts.
Sustainable rural development and environmental conservation have already been completed. Key actions include forest clearing, eradication of the invasive species Arundo donax in the Barranco Moreno with aid from the Provincial Council of Valencia's REACCIONA 23 program, and geotechnical consolidation of the Benedriz slope. Furthermore, a new integrated water cycle service contract has been approved, aligning with the Integrated Water Cycle Strategic Plan.
The improvement of rural roads and forest tracks has also been successfully completed. Maintenance works on the Pista Forestal del Burriquet Bajo have concluded, supported by provincial subsidies. An autonomous grant has been secured for repairing roads such as those in La Balsa Seca, La Cuna, Fares, and Toraja, in addition to ongoing interventions on the Muela de Bicorp. These actions are directly linked to the Local Forest Fire Prevention Plan (PLPIF).
Investment in forest fire prevention has been 100% completed through the revision of the PLPIF, FEADER grants for agroforestry management, the creation of protection strips by forest brigades, and the reception of funds from the Municipal Strategic Fund for Fire Prevention. These measures enhance the operational capacity of the Municipal Territorial Emergency Plan (PTM) and the Municipal Action Plan for Forest Fires (PAMIF).
The electrical renovation of the Municipal Sports Center is fully executed, encompassing low-voltage electrical installations, switchboards, and power upgrades for the sports center, cafeteria, and caravan area. This initiative is part of the modernization of community facilities.
Regarding the pedestrian pathway from the urban center to the cemetery, the connection to the sports center is complete, and the route to the cemetery is being prepared, ensuring safety for non-motorized transit. This infrastructure directly complies with the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (PMUS).
The expansion of the forest road network has also been achieved, with improvements to road surfaces and ditches on the Pista del Burriquet Bajo, rural roads financed by the Conselleria, tracks on the Muela de Bicorp, and access to recreational areas like Benefetal and Río Fraile.
The urbanization of the Maestro Serrano parking lot and the Cuesta de los Pilares path is currently underway. The municipal priority has been the provision of a park-and-ride facility with the tendering of a new parking area in La Balsa Seca. To fully complete the project, the technical report for Maestro Serrano needs to be prepared, and the path to the Cuesta de los Pilares needs to be put out to tender.
Finally, the rehabilitation and landscaping of the Piñeta wall is in its initial phase, awaiting project drafting, budget allocation, and execution, with the aim of improving and beautifying public spaces and urban green areas.
