The preliminary draft of Forestry Law already has a favorable report from the Andalusian Biodiversity Council. This information was presented during the meeting that brought together almost 60 representatives of various environmental organizations, areas of public institutions and associations.
The Minister of Sustainability and Environment, Catalina García, has chaired in Seville a new meeting of the Andalusian Biodiversity Council (CAB), an organization that has favorably informed about the draft Andalusian Forestry Law.
This meeting brought together nearly 60 representatives of various public institutions, entities and non-governmental organizations, consolidating once again the commitment of the Government of Andalusia to the protection of biodiversity, sustainable management of natural resources and the active participation of social agents in the formulation of environmental policies.
In her opening speech, the counselor highlighted the relevance of this body, created in implementation of Law 8/2003, of October 28, on Wild Flora and Fauna, and whose operation is regulated by Decree 530/2004. , November 16. The counselor has highlighted the importance of this call, in which crucial issues for forestry and conservation policy were addressed. biodiversity in Andalusia, including the draft Law of Montes of Andalusia (currently in process), monitoring the status of the wolf in the autonomous community and updating the procedure for awarding beekeeping in public forests of autonomous ownership.
One of the central topics of the meeting has been, precisely, the presentation of the preliminary draft, which proposes, according to the counselor, a fundamental update of the Andalusian Biodiversity Council, transforming it into the Andalusian Forest Policy and Biodiversity Council. In this way, this consultation and advisory body is updated according to the current regime of matters and powers of the Andalusian Forestry Administration, taking into account the demands of society and the advancement of knowledge in environmental management.
«The transformation of the current CAB into the future Andalusian Council of Forest Policy and Biodiversity will allow «a more comprehensive and specialized approach in implementation of environmental policiesadapting to the changing needs of the autonomous community and promoting collaboration between experts and representatives of different sectors,” he said.
Furthermore, the counselor has emphasized the need for a modern and sustainable forest policy, based on three key pillars: strategic planning through the Andalusian Forest Plan, updated legislation with the future Forest regulations and an efficient investment programe, all elements that make up the Andalusian Forest Strategy.
What happens with the wolf in Andalusia?
Another highlight has been the monitoring of the wolf in Andalusia. During the session, a detailed report on the current status of the species was presented. The counselor has pointed out that this analysis, previously discussed in the Wild Flora and Fauna Committee, is essential to define effective conservation policies that allow preserve the biodiversity of Andalusian ecosystems.
«The preservation of the wolf in Andalusia responds to a commitment to biological diversity, in line with conservation objectives at the European level. In this sense, the Junta de Andalucía strives to design strategies that integrate the protection of species and coexistence with human activities, promoting awareness and knowledge about the importance of the wolf and its role in ecological balance«, he said.
Public forests and beekeeping
The meeting also included the presentation of a proposed decree to update the regulation of the procedure for awarding beekeeping exploitation in montes public owned by the autonomous community. The counselor has highlighted the relevance of this proposal, which aims to facilitate beekeeping activity in a sustainable way, guaranteeing local economic development and respect for the environment. «The update of this regulation seeks to promote a balance between the responsible exploitation of this important forest resource and ecosystem conservation«, he added.
The Andalusian Biodiversity Council is consolidated as a space for participation and dialogue between the Andalusian Administration, experts, universities, environmental associations, agricultural and sports organizations and representatives of civil society. During the session, the members of the council were able to express their points of view and make contributions on each of the topics discussed, reaffirming the participatory and consultative nature of this body.
Along these lines, Minister García has indicated that the CAB is an essential instrument for the formulation of environmental policies in Andalusia, “by enabling open dialogue and the joint construction of strategies and regulations that benefit both the environment as well as the sustainable development of the mountains in Andalusia«.
Likewise, they have attended representatives of the Presidency ministriesInterior, Social Dialogue and Administrative Simplification; University, Research and Innovation; Industry, Energy and Mines; Health and Consumption, and Culture and Sports.
Finally, Catalina García thanked the active participation of the entities present at her fight for the protection of forestsamong which were representatives of the Civil Guard, the State Forestry Administration, the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME), CEA; the Andalusian Hunting Federation (FAC), among other associations of hunters and fishermen; sports associations, UPA and environmental organizations, such as SEO and Ecologistas en Acción, among others.
On the part of the Department of Sustainability and Environment in the presentation of the Law of Montes The vice-counselor, Sergio Arjona, and the general directors of Forest Policy and Biodiversity and Protected Natural Spaces, Juan Ramón Pérez Valenzuela and José Enrique Borrallo, among others, also participated.