More than a thousand people took part in the autumn reforestation event at monte orgegia, organised by the Enamorados de Alicante association in collaboration with the Environment and Parks and Gardens departments of the Alicante City Council. This initiative, aimed at local families, saw the planting of over a thousand Mediterranean species trees and shrubs in this peri-urban forest area.
Manuel Villar, the city’s Environment Councillor, stated that the event was a resounding success, reflecting a strong response from the community. He noted that the initiative provides residents with the opportunity to plant a tree and contribute to the recovery of an environmentally significant wooded area for Alicante, an activity that has been held annually.
The primary goal of this year’s programme, titled ‘Alicante Renace’ (Alicante Reborn), is not only to increase vegetation in monte orgegia but also to raise environmental awareness, impart knowledge about ecosystem conservation, and encourage younger generations to respect and care for nature.
Throughout the morning, free workshops focused on education, awareness, and environmental conservation were held, offering participatory activities to engage both children and adults in learning about the biodiversity, fauna, and flora of the region.
Daniel Aguilar, director of the Alicante Renace programme, emphasised the importance of making the experience educational for families: “We want children to discover the significance of insects, birds, trees, and everything that sustains life in our mountains. We aim for them to learn, enjoy, and, above all, feel a sense of ownership over these spaces that deserve protection. The true success of Alicante Renace lies not only in the trees we plant but in the people we educate to care for them throughout their lives.”
During this ecological restoration day, eight forest species were planted: argan, Aleppo pine, Cartagena cypress, carob, kermes oak, mastic tree, blackthorn, and ephedra. This diverse selection was made based on criteria such as drought adaptation, vegetation cover recovery, soil erosion protection, biodiversity enhancement, and the creation of habitats and food sources for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
The combination of tree and shrub species fosters a more diverse, resilient, and balanced ecosystem, promoting its long-term natural regeneration. In total, 1,020 trees and saplings and 480 shrubs were distributed, along with the sowing of one million herbaceous plant seeds aimed at supporting pollinators, enriching plant biodiversity, improving soil structure and fertility, increasing natural cover, and aiding the ecological recovery of monte orgegia.
The event received support from Mercalicante, Aguas de Alicante, and Coca-Cola, which provided fruits, water bottles, and soft drinks for participants. Local companies Pompadour and Iberpapel also contributed to the Alicante Renace project.
Sergio Sánchez, general director of Aguas de Alicante, highlighted the value of this collaboration: “At Aguas de Alicante, we view sustainability as a daily and long-term commitment to our environment. This reforestation day demonstrates the impact of public-private and social collaboration in generating tangible environmental benefits in our municipality.”
