The Balearic Government has launched an ambitious reforestation project at the public estate of s’Alqueria Vella, located within the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park (Artà). The initiative includes the planting of 40,000 native trees and shrubs and involves an investment exceeding one million euros, of which the TUI Care Foundation contributes €550,000.
The IBANAT team taking part in the reforestation work at s’Alqueria Vella. Photos: CAIB.
The work, carried out by the Balearic Institute of Nature (IBANAT), aims to restore areas affected by forest fires and rebuild the park’s plant cover. The selected area for this new reforestation is located near the Camí dels Presoners and will feature species typical of Balearic flora, such as pi blanc (Aleppo pine), ullastre (wild olive), aladern de fulla estreta (Phillyrea angustifolia), llampúdol (Rhamnus ludovici-salvatoris), mata (mastic tree) and garballó (Mediterranean fan palm).
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, highlighted that “this initiative is an example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors benefits our natural environment, as it helps to restore forests, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen the fight against climate change.”
Reforestation at s’Alqueria Vella progresses in an area of high environmental complexity
All the plants used in the reforestation of s’Alqueria Vella come from the Menut Forest Nursery (CEFOR) in Escorca, and were grown from native seeds collected in nearby locations. Minister Simonet emphasised that “this practice helps to preserve the genetic diversity of the species and increases the capacity of the reforested area to adapt to the site’s conditions.”
The area under restoration presents high environmental complexity, as natural forest regeneration has not progressed due to the lack of a seed bank, the presence of feral goats, and the rocky nature of the terrain. To prepare the soil, a spider excavator from Asturias has been used — a machine capable of operating on steep slopes and in rocky areas.
The work has been carefully planned with the utmost care to protect biodiversity. No interventions have taken place in areas inhabited by Jasminum fruticans, the only known population in the Balearic Islands, and the ethnological elements and ancient farmland in the surroundings have been respected.
The project also aims to improve water retention, reduce erosion, and enhance biodiversity. The new forests will help to protect the land, reduce the risk of flooding, and capture carbon dioxide, thereby contributing to slowing desertification and improving air quality.
Promotion of volunteering and environmental education activities
In addition, the agreement with the TUI Care Foundation includes other actions such as the improvement of previous reforestations through the incorporation of more than 2,000 specimens, mainly holm oaks, as well as forest management work. It also provides for the restoration of coastal habitats in Son Real and the promotion of volunteering and environmental education activities, including the creation of educational materials and the installation of interpretative signage in the Natural Park.
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