Two ponds constructed before summer at the former municipal campsite of El Carritxar in Oliva are already fulfilling their primary objective: serving as a breeding ground for local amphibians. According to the Councilor for Environment, Enrique Parra, this initiative significantly improves the area, preventing species like frogs and toads from falling into the deadly trap of the old abandoned swimming pool, where they previously laid eggs in temporary puddles.
Amphibians now have two safe and adapted spaces for reproduction, ensuring their continuity amidst a global population decline. Beyond amphibians, the ponds have become a hotspot for a diverse range of dragonflies, as well as aquatic beetles and various bird species, such as the Sardinian warbler.
The initial renaturalization efforts, which included the construction of these ponds and the demolition of degraded, disused buildings, were completed last June. Councilor Enrique Parra expressed satisfaction with the recovery of a green space within the municipality, leading to a considerable environmental improvement.
Further actions will include the creation of a firebreak around the access road to El Carritxar, a preventive measure funded by a 10,768.22 euro grant from the Ministry of Environment. This will connect with a similar strip planned by the Pego City Council in its municipality. Informative signs will also be installed, and efforts are underway to restore the campsite's water tank for emergency water supply.
The Aureba forest school-workshop is also contributing to environmental improvement by maintaining the plantations established during the renaturalization project. The El Carritxar renaturalization project had an awarded budget of 139,887.18 euros, managed by the Oliva City Council through the 'Next Generation' EU Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, as part of the Oliva Sustainable Tourism Plan.
