The Councilor for Environment of Castellón, Gonzalo Romero, met with the Director General of Natural and Animal Environment of the Ministry of Environment, Luis Gomis, to study joint initiatives. One of the main proposals is the collaboration of the Castellón City Council in the recovery and reforestation of the Serra d'Espadà, which was severely affected by fires.
Romero conveyed to Gomis the municipal intention to carry out plantings to collaborate in the recovery of this provincial green lung. The initiative will be carried out with the participation of Castellón volunteers, also aiming to promote Environmental Education and the values of caring for our natural environment.
Before proceeding with the plantings, a prudent period will be necessary to observe the evolution of the natural regeneration of the area and obtain the required favorable technical reports, as explained by the councilor.
For his part, Luis Gomis reported that the Ministry is working on a Forest Restoration Plan for the burnt area. This plan, which will span the next 20 years, will design the necessary actions to recover ecosystems, vegetation cover, reduce fire risk, and improve the territory's resilience.
Romero also announced that meetings will be held with the mayors of the affected municipalities, such as Artana and Eslida, to determine the specific needs of each town and agree on planting areas.
The start of this reforestation initiative is planned for next autumn or winter, when conditions are favorable and approval from the Ministry has been obtained. The collaboration will be useful, coordinated, and adapted to each site.
This initiative aims to show Castellón's support for the affected municipalities and contribute to the recovery of the Serra d'Espadà as a natural treasure. Furthermore, it seeks to reinforce awareness about forest protection and fire prevention, making it a shared responsibility between administrations and citizens.
Volunteers will register via an email address to be provided later. A bus will be arranged for transport to the area, along with the provision of agricultural tools (hoes, shovels) and tree or shrub specimens, under the Ministry's supervision. Necessary water and participant maintenance during the day will also be guaranteed.
This proposal arose from the past Council of the Municipal Natural Area of La Magdalena, in late July, with the aim of organizing aid for the recovery of the Serra d'Espadà.
