LAND BANK

Fontes del Porcía is a non-profit organization located in western Asturias, dedicated to the conservation and recovery of the natural environment of the Porcía River, as well as the preservation of the culture and both material and immaterial cultural heritage of the Porcía River Valley. One of the most notable projects is the management of a land bank with the objective of stopping the spread of eucalyptus and promoting the planting of native trees that contribute to the biodiversity and sustainability of the ecosystem. This initiative transforms unused lands into productive and sustainable spaces, promoting a positive environmental and social impact.

The impact of eucalyptus on the environment

The eucalyptus, although widely used in the timber industry, has raised environmental concerns due to its impact on soils and biodiversity. Its rapid growth and high water demand negatively affect local ecosystems, reducing the availability of resources for other plant and animal species. In Asturias, its presence has been a topic of debate, as its expansion has displaced native species and altered the ecological balance.

The land bank of Fontes del Porcía

To counteract these effects, Fontes del Porcía promotes a land bank intended for reforestation with native species to the Porcía river. This initiative aims to recover degraded areas and promote a more diverse and resilient landscape. The association collaborates with landowners, institutions, and volunteers to identify suitable lands and carry out reforestation projects.

Project Objectives

The land bank project has several key objectives:

Ecological restoration: Replace eucalyptus plantations with native species such as oaks, chestnuts, and alders, which promote biodiversity and soil stability.
Water conservation: Native trees help regulate the water cycle, preventing erosion and improving the quality of rivers and streams.
Promotion of environmental education: The association organizes activities and workshops to raise community awareness about the importance of reforestation and the impact of eucalyptus.
Creation of habitats for wildlife: The diversification of the landscape allows more animal species to find shelter and food in the area.

Community participation and support

Fontes del Porcía involves the community in its initiative, promoting the participation of volunteers in campaigns for planting and land maintenance. Furthermore, it has the support of public and private entities to finance the acquisition of land and the purchase of suitable trees for reforestation.

A greener future for the West of Asturias

The work of Fontes del Porcía is an example of how local action can generate a positive impact on the environment. Through its land bank, the association is contributing to the recovery of the Asturian landscape and the preservation of its natural wealth. With the commitment of the community and the backing of institutions, this project has the potential to transform the west of Asturias into a model of sustainability and conservation.

Are you considering introducing eucalyptus trees on your land? The future of the valley and future generations is in your hands!

What will happen when the land becomes impoverished, and the yield of eucalyptus plantations decreases?

The loss of biodiversity and soil degradation will ultimately make it less profitable. An agricultural or forest land that has been depleted, unable to revitalize itself, becomes an economic burden, not a profitable land.

Have you thought about the effects on future generations?

Wouldn’t it be better to ensure a sustainable model that makes it possible to make a profit without sacrificing the environment? Strengthening the link between the community and its territory is key to stop depopulation. Betting on an intelligent countryside and a sustainable valley will help to retain young people, as they will have greater opportunities for professional development.

Did you know that the demand for products from native and sustainable forests is growing?

In the future, it may be more lucrative to diversify with native species that generate income and protect the ecosystem.

And what about the fires?

Don’t forget the disaster that occurred in 2023, when the fire devastated 10,000 hectares of forest between Valdés and Tineo. This forest fire became the largest in Asturias since records have been kept. Experts point out the danger of a landscape model based on the intensive exploitation of forest plantations of a single species -eucalyptus- and the mitigating function of native hardwood forests. It is in your hands not to repeat it!

How do I sign up for the land bank?

The Land Bank is a system that allows owners of abandoned, unused, or inherited lands to make them available for reforestation and agricultural development projects driven by the Association Fontes del Porcía. This initiative aims to give new life to underutilized spaces, contributing to the fight against climate change, desertification, and rural depopulation, as well as promoting employment in the ecological sector.

Registering your land in our registry is very simple:

Send the cadastral information of the land via email to correo@fontesdelporcia.com. The association will analyse each land to determine its viability and the most suitable type of use.
Selected lands are recorded for use in current or future reforestation and cultivation projects. When we start a new project, we will contact you to offer you different ways to participate.
The final decision always depends on the owner, ensuring that the process is voluntary and beneficial for both parties.

If you are interested in learning more about this initiative, you can contact us by sending an email to correo@fontesdelpocia.com.

Would you like to get involved in reforestation projects? Here’s how you can help us:

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Cómo hacer una donación económica a Fontes del Porcía

MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION

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