Axión and Ence to restore a burnt-out forest in Trigueros (Huelva)

Reforestation project on land in Trigueros (Huelva). “Axión-Los Marcos Ence Forest”.

• This involves protecting aquifers and promoting biodiversity
• It will help remove just over 4,000 tonnes of CO₂e from the atmosphere over 40 years

As part of its firm commitment to promoting ESG policies, Axión has undertaken, in collaboration with Ence – the Spanish leader in sustainable forest management – the design and implementation of a project to restore a forest that was destroyed by fire in 2019 in the Trigueros area (Huelva). This will involve an investment of over 170,000 euros and will cover an area of more than 26 hectares, where around 32,000 trees will be planted.

For the planting, which will take place between November and December 2022, depending on rainfall, native Pinus pinea seedlings will be used, sourced from certified, high-quality local nurseries, with preference given to two-year-old seedlings. The initial planting density is estimated at around 1,200 seedlings per hectare.

This reforestation project will involve the restoration of the area adversely affected by the fire and ensure its long-term sustainability. Furthermore, this restoration will help to protect aquifers and promote biodiversity.

The long-term maintenance of the forest is guaranteed by the care and monitoring work to be carried out by Ence, which forms part of the management system the company implements across its forest assets, and falls within the scope of the FSC certificate for Sustainable Forest Management.

This first pilot project, as well as helping to combat desertification in the area and revitalise the natural environment, will contribute to removing just over 4,000 tonnes of CO₂e from the atmosphere over 40 years, which will offset Axión’s carbon footprint emitted over nearly seven years across its three scopes.

Axión’s CEO, Araceli García Cuartango, has emphasised the importance of this first project, which “will enable us to begin revitalising this area with native species, thereby contributing not only to the recovery of our forest heritage but also ensuring that future generations can enjoy it”.

For his part, Ence’s Chairman, Ignacio Colmenares, has highlighted the value of this project, which is aligned with the company’s strategic vision, in which sustainability and decarbonisation are cross-cutting priorities. “This forest restoration project forms part of Ence’s firm commitment to sustainable forest management, which also represents the best and most effective way to prevent fires,” he noted.

Through the “Bosque Axión Trigueros” project, Axión and Ence are taking another step forward in their commitment to the local area, the environment and sustainability, promoting biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources.