Forestry is the set of treatments that, following the sustainability principles (environmental, economic and social) and the concept of multiple use, are applied to a forest mass (mountains and forests) with the purpose of achieving its perpetuation over time.
The idea is to apply the scientific knowledge about the functioning of forest ecosystems to obtain continuous production of them. A fundamental part of forestry at the municipal level is informing citizens of what is done for its preservation and what the objective of these treatments is.
Forestry: tool of sustainability
The Ministry of Sustainability and Environment, through the technical advisor of the General Directorate of Forest Policy and Biodiversity, Gabriel Gutiérrez Tejada, has stated that one of its main lines of action is the conservation of forests and promotion of forestry as an essential tool for sustainability and socioeconomic development.
The need to bring these often unknown landscapes closerto citizens and communicating the benefits of its active management was, precisely, the focus of the speech given by Gutiérrez Tejada during a recent event at the Engineering Institute of Spain.
In his speech, he highlighted the fundamental role of forests as a reference for other invisible landscapes that the Andalusian mountains are home to, not only in terms of biodiversitybut also as a cultural legacy. “We foresters are responsible for those ecosystems that sustain our life and our identity. Our mission is to make them visible so that citizens can know their value,” he stated.
The speech revolved around society’s growing disconnection from the natural processes that sustain forest ecosystems. “The cultural landscapes of the mountains seem increasingly distant and unknown. Our challenge is to bring them closer, both to the urban and rural populationpromoting greater understanding of its importance.”
The Junta de Andalucía, as stated, is working to strengthen this link, integrating communication as a key tool in the forest conservation and management policies. The technical advisor has also spoken of the need for constant pedagogical work to guarantee that citizens not only value, but also get involved in the protection of these essential spaces.
In line with the priorities of the Andalusian Government, Gutiérrez Tejada has recalled the historical role of foresters in the defense and restoration of the mountains and their populationsas well as the importance of communicating these achievements. “Pedagogy is vital. Only through education and the dissemination of knowledge can we guarantee that the forestry policies of the future are understood and supported by citizens,” he added.
The conference highlighted historical actions such as the emblematic reforestation and the protection of public forest heritage against historical processes such as confiscation. These experiences, as he has highlighted, are a legacy that inspires new generations to innovate and advance in forest management without losing sight of the values that have guided the profession. “We must recover cathedral thinking, which allows us to look beyond the short term and approach forest management with the perspective of those who build something that transcends generations,” he added.
Committed to the Andalusian mountains
Regarding the future of the Andalusian mountains, Gutiérrez Tejada has called for collective action, highlighting the importance of build the forestry future from small daily actions. “The future of the mountains is built every day, with small actions that, together, generate a lasting impact. This work must be known and recognized by the entire society.”
In this way, it has influenced the firm commitment of the Andalusian Government to active and sustainable forest management. “In collaboration with professionals in the sector, initiatives are being promoted that not only protect natural resources, but also position them as engines of development and sustainability. With this vision, Andalusia preserves its natural wealth and, in addition, consolidates itself as a reference in forest management and the promotion of environmental values, connecting citizens with a unique legacy,” he concluded.