ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION As the Global Nature Foundation points out, indiscriminate planting and lack of maintenance is tantamount to plant malnutrition. It often has a counterproductive effect, as it looks as though something is being done. Reforesta, a specialist NGO, sums up the ideal model: “Criteria, knowl-edge, management.” “We are talking about ecological restoration, which goes far beyond planting. It is a carefully planned, executed and monitored process, with a study of the native species best adapted to the environmental conditions,” and not only today but also in the future, in the face of climate change, explains Óscar Vadillo, ACCIONA’s area delegate for Urban and Environmental Services. This in-depth study determines the precise management of irrigation, nutrition, combination of species and resources for “the complete recovery of functions, attributes, con-ditions, ecological processes and the structure of the biotic community of the altered, damaged, degraded or destroyed ecosystem,” which is always different from one location to another, adds the expert. REGULATORY FERTILITY Cooperation between management companies and other administra-tions with environmental responsibilities will be vital. But the innova-tion of solutions is ahead of regulations, and delays with the latter can slow down the former. “The requirements for including urban regener-ation projects in the CO2 absorption process are very restrictive, both in terms of soil typology and characterisation. Although suitable for nat-ural areas, they are quite difficult to achieve in urban environments,” Vadillo points out. “We need legislation that is more flexible and allied to green infrastructures.” ENVIRONMENT one million trees one million trees • ACCIONA will contribute to biodiversity and carbon neutrality by planting and monitoring one million trees over five years. This programme aims to offset 500,000 tons of CO2 per year. • It applies the know-how of its Environmental Area (ACCIONA) in forestry treatments and management of green areas, natural spaces, forest restoration and urban regeneration in Spain. • In La Dehesa de la Villa (Madrid) it has expanded the forest mass as a positive environmental impact of the Open de Golf, as well as in the Club de Campo. Together they will absorb almost 1,300 tons of CO2 in 30 years and the area, which has been reforested with pinus radita and cedrus atlantica, will be extended by a further 5.5 hectares. • In addition, agreements have been signed with local entities and regional administrations for: - 50 hectares in Riocavado de la Sierra (Burgos) and 60 hectares in Olleros de Alba (Leon), with 175,000 trees planted with native species, and managed between 2022 and 2023, that will absorb some 13,500 tons of CO2 over four decades. - Along the same lines, opportunities are being studied for the implementation of CO2 absorption projects with the competent municipal and regional authorities.