Andalusia is giving a renewed impulse to the semi -course sector applied to complaints with the objective of Promote the use of the wood of this traditional and emblematic treewhile supporting the regeneration of Mount Alcornocal.
Scientific essays are analyzing the properties of the quejigo wood to give more applications. The idea is to be used as a sustainable and proximity alternative for its probable use in the aging of the wines of the Jerez framework.
Quejigos analysis day
Andalusia has established itself as a reference in sustainable forest management, and has once again demonstrated at the meeting of the State Public Montes (REMP) network, which has taken place on February 5 and 6 at the Visitors Center and Montes from Los Alcornocales Natural Park, in Alcalá de los Gazules, Cádiz. In this framework, the ‘Selviculture Technical Journey of Coverage remains Oak oanariensis‘, a key encounter for innovation in forest management and the valorization of forest resources.
This appointment brings together forest technicians, forestry experts and representatives of the wood and wine industry. On the part of the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment, the objective has been to analyze the potential of Quejigo (Oak oanariensis Willd.) como Key species in the regeneration of Mount Alcornocal and in the diversification of forest exploitations. The initiative is part of the strategy of the Junta de Andalucía to guarantee the sustainability of these ecosystems, foster their resilience against climate change and open new economic opportunities for forest owners.
Los Alcornocales Natural Park is one of the most valuable enclaves of Andalusian natural heritage. His management has traditionally linked to Use of the cork, a resource of high ecological, economic and cultural value. However, the difficulties for the natural regeneration of the alcornocal, due to various factors, suggest the need to rethink the current management model of these forest systems.
To deal with this situation, the Junta de Andalucía has launched a new orientation in forest management, in which the continuous coverage jungicult charges special relevance. This model allows us to intervene in forest masses progressively and selectively favoring the regeneration of species such as quejigo and cork oak, stimulating ecosystem balance.
The advisor of the General Directorate of Forest Policy and Biodiversity of the Junta de Andalucía, Gabriel Gutiérrez Tejada, said that “the objective is to guarantee the regeneration of these mountains and, at the same time, Offer sustainable economic alternatives to owners. Until now, the cork – along with the Montanera and Los Pastos – has been the main resource, but we want to expand the range of uses, and the quejigo’s wood can play a key role in this process. ”
Revalue the Andalusian complain
One of the most innovative points of the day isQuejigo wood potential ne analysis for use in the wine industry. The raising in oak barrels has been a usual practice in wineries around the world, but so far, the wood used comes mostly from foreign species, such as French or American oak.
The study that is being developed in Andalusia seeks to characterize Physical-mechanical and organoleptic properties of the Quejigo to determine its suitability in the manufacture of barrels and barrels. If the results confirm its potential, this resource could become an alternative of proximity for the winemaker of the Jerez framework, reducing import dependence and promoting a more sustainable production.
Precisely, this day has had the participation of the President of the Regulatory Council of the Denominations of Origin ‘Jerez-Xérès-Sherry’, ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ and ‘Vinegar de Jerez’, César Saldaña, to expose the vision of the sector About this project. His speech has been accompanied by experts from the timber industry and university researchers who are Analyzing wood from different perspectives, including its structural resistance and compatibility with the breeding of wines and spirits.
A more sustainable and efficient model
The applied jungle approach in Andalusia has a multifunctional vision, which seeks to use forest resources, as well as the conservation of biodiversity and soil improvement. “The Continuous coverage jungicult allows us to intervene in the forest without unbalanced the ecosystem structure. Low intensity actions are carried out that favor the natural regeneration of the quejigo and the cork oak, ensuring that the vegetation is maintained intact. This avoids soil erosion and allows seeds to germinate in optimal conditions, ”explained Gutiérrez Tejada.
As an improvement of traditional models, this new methodology prioritizes natural regeneration and ecological balance. The selection of future trees, those that will be used Considering its quality and role in the dynamics of the forestguaranteeing that the new generations of trees have the appropriate space to develop.
The work that is being carried out in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park is an example of the commitment of the Junta de Andalucía with sustainability and innovation in forest management. This strategy seeks Balance environment conservation with the generation of economic opportunities For forest owners and the inhabitants of the corcheras regions of Andalusia, in a context in which Mediterranean ecosystems face increasing challenges due to global changes.
The advisor of the General Directorate of Forest Policy and Biodiversity has stressed that “we are not only managing a resource, but protecting a natural jewel of incalculable value. The Regeneration of the Alcornocal Mount and the diversification of its uses are essential for its future. We want the quejigo and the cork oak to remain pillars of our forests, and we are working to ensure that it is. ”
The Territorial Delegate of Sustainability and Environment in the province of Cádiz, Oscar Curtido; the director-conservator of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, Juan Manuel Fornell; the Head of the Area of Promotion and Management of Natural Resources of the Environment and Water Agency of Andalusia, María José Arias; the coordinator of the REP, Esther Pérez Martín, and the Technical Team Responsible for the Management of Gaditanos Public Alcornocalesamong other assistants and authorities.