The regeneration of this area includes the planting of over 2,500 trees and almost 3,650 shrubs, all of them indigenous species.
The project involves restoring 60,000 m2 of the landscape and an investment of 1.5 million euros.
The project, put forward by TM Real Estate Group and the Benidorm City Council, according to the head of urban planning at the company, aims to regenerate an area of more than 60,000 square metres, most of which is within the Serra Gelada Natural Park which is also a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPAB).
The head of urban planning at TM, the mayor and the Benidorm councillor for urban planning during the presentation
The regeneration will use waste soil from excavations being carried out by TM as part of their development project in the Poniente area, covering approximately 178,000 cubic metres. The excess soil from the site will be used to fill in some of the quarry instead of being transported to a landfill site, thereby reducing the carbon footprint. Consequently, the project embodies the three ‘Rs’ philosophy: “reduce, reuse and recycle”.
The area will be replanted with native trees and shrubs typical of the area, such as pines, olive trees, carob trees, palms, buckthorns, mastic trees and rosemary. In total there will be over 2,500 trees and almost 3,650 shrubs planted.
This project will see the profile of the mountain restored, and through the recreation of a Mediterranean forest its ecosystem will boost the biodiversity of flora and fauna. A section of the quarry rock face will be retained to provide a habitat for birds of prey present in the area.
This initiative, which will reduce CO2 emissions by 1,796 tonnes over 40 years, offset 40% of industrial sector greenhouse gas emissions and triple green zones, will involve an investment of 1.5 million euros.
Sustainable Development Goals
The project directly relates to 4 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Firstly, it contributes to Goal 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities” through the reduction of CO2 emissions. Secondly, it has a direct impact on Goal 13 “Climate Action” and Goal 15 “Life on Land”, since the restoration of the area affected by mining operations will re-establish the functionality of the ecosystem and activate its vegetation regeneration. Furthermore, the landscape within the protected area will recover and rainwater will be channelled to protect the soil and its surroundings from erosion. Finally, the project directly relates to Goal 17 “Partnerships for the Goals”, given that it would not be possible without public-private collaboration.
This initiative is aligned with the company’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the sustainable development of the areas and communities in which it operates.
