Ruralidays brings to life a project committed to sustainability in Andalusia by planting trees in collaboration with the Folia Project organization. Beyond carbon offsetting, this initiative revitalizes degraded land, providing solutions to desertification and creating a positive environmental impact. Discover how 800 trees become agents of change in the local landscape.
On December 11, 2024, Ruralidays initiated the first phase of the project with 240 trees in Villanueva de Tapia, Málaga. The planting will be registered as a CO2 absorption project in the Carbon Footprint and Compensation Registry of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO).
Objectives and Environmental Benefits: Beyond CO2 Neutralization
The forest in Villanueva de Tapia will absorb 560 tons of CO2 in its first five decades, but its creation will also impact other areas.
It will buffer extreme temperatures, curb erosion on the steep slope, and improve soil conditions. The plot, formerly a sealed landfill, will regain landscape and environmental value. “We have always believed in the importance of caring for our environment and promoting sustainable practices. The collaboration with Folia Project is a tangible manifestation of this commitment,” highlights Félix Zea, CEO and co-founder of Ruralidays.
“The forest will absorb 560 tCO2 over its first 50 years of growth, but it is not the only environmental benefit it will provide,”
Luis Cardalliaguet, technical director of Folia Project.
Additionally, in a region threatened by desertification due to droughts and forest fires, each tree planted is a barrier against soil degradation.
The Process is a Journey to be Sown Gradually
In this initial contact, involving 40 students from 5th, 6th, and 1st, 2nd ESO grades from Rafael Alberti School in Villanueva de Tapia, we planted the first 240 hackberries (all 1-savia cultivated in forest tray). The children’s experience was very positive, spending a day enjoying nature and discovering ways to collaborate for the environment.
But they were not alone; some members of the Ruralidays team joined this first planting phase. “Following this reforestation in Villanueva de Tapia, it is evident how we can generate a positive impact with such a simple gesture, and how crucial collaboration is between the parties: public sector, private sector, and the local community,” commented Gabriela, marketing manager at Ruralidays. “After all, we are all united by the same cause: taking care of our land so that all, citizens and travelers, can enjoy it in all its splendor without restrictions,” continued Isabel, the company’s photographer.
In the coming weeks, project members will continue adding ash trees and pines to the plantation. All trees will be secured with mesh protectors and bamboo stakes to prevent predation by herbivores.
Once the planting is completed, a drip irrigation system will be installed to facilitate watering during the first years until the trees are established.
Ruralidays and Its Commitment to Sustainability
This planting is part of the sustainability actions set by Ruralidays. We will continue on the path of CO2 neutralization and local environmental improvement through the creation of new ‘Ruralidays Forests,’ thus contributing to a greener future for all. “The project with Folia Project is the beginning of many sustainable actions we plan to carry out in the coming years,” comments Félix, “we believe that tourism is part of the problem but we must also be part of the solution to the climate crisis we are experiencing.”
The Planting in Numbers
- Number of trees: 800 – fast-growing native species with high CO2 absorption.
- Location: Villanueva de Tapia.
- Collaborators: Ruralidays, Folia Project, Villanueva de Tapia City Council, and Rafael Alberti School in Villanueva de Tapia.
- Trees Planted in the 1st Phase: 240 hackberries (Celtis australis).
- Species: hackberries, ash trees (Fraxinus angustifolia), and pines (Pinus pinea).
- Planting Method: 1-savia trees in forest tray.
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