A commitment to the environment
The Community of Madrid has taken a significant step towards protecting its natural heritage by announcing the Forestry Boost Plan, known as Madrid Forestal. This plan, presented by the Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Interior, Carlos Novillo, involves an investment of nearly €160 million until 2030, representing a 40% increase compared to investments made in the previous period.
Madrid Forestal is structured around ten axes and 45 concrete proposals that cover everything from management and conservation to innovation and training. Novillo emphasized that “intervention in our mountains can no longer wait,” highlighting the urgency of addressing fire prevention and improving forest management.
One of the most notable aspects of the plan is the maintenance and regeneration of the dehesas. This includes actions such as planting, pruning, and installing fences to recover the tree cover. Additionally, livestock transit will be improved through cattle guards and chutes, thus recognizing the essential role that extensive livestock farming plays in conserving the natural environment.
The project also addresses the new challenges facing biodiversity due to phenomena such as sixth-generation wildfires. To mitigate these risks, measures such as revegetation in erosion-prone areas during adverse weather events will be implemented. The restoration of ravines and channel correction are integral parts of the approach to improve water infiltration into the soil.
A key innovation will be the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI), aimed at automating processes and analysing large volumes of data. This will enable the generation of predictive models that further optimise forest management. Additionally, an advanced system will be established to alert about the critical state of vegetation masses, facilitating a rapid response to any signs of deterioration or water stress.
Madrid currently has over 420,000 hectares of forested land and significant tree cover. With this new plan, it is expected to multiply timber use by 20, increasing from approximately 18,500 cubic metres marketed to over 357,000 cubic metres. To achieve this, a regional network will be created to provide technical and economic advice to private owners interested in participating in this sustainable initiative.
As Madrid moves towards a greener future, this plan not only aims to protect its forests but also to ensure their sustainability in the face of current climate challenges. The combination of advanced technology and traditional practices promises to be key to preserving one of the most valuable natural resources for future generations.
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