For another year, environmental activists focus on the need to stop Eucalyptus plantations. It is one Type of intensive culture that does not encourage sustainable consumption or production And to finish it, it is very fuel, so its presence is a problem in preventing and combating forest fires.
These monocultures influence ecosystems, both during planting and in the phases of growth and collection. In addition, This type of tree monocultures are implemented in many occasions in protected spacesIn areas with a high ecological value or in places where sensitive habitats or endangered species are developed, so that the survival of these ecosystems and species is endangered.
Moreover, it is important to emphasize the incoming nature of all Eucalyptus species, is ratified by two opinions of the Scientific Committee of the Ministry of Ecological Transition (Miteco), one in 2012, where the incoming and potential danger of the exotic species stands out Eucalyptus rises and another in 2017in which the scientific members of the committee believe that “the available scientific data offer extreme caution with new introductions and plantations of Eucalyptus sp.
Eucalyptus: invasive and dangerous species
Have a maximum of 25 national environmental organizations and Galicia, Asturia, Cantabria and Euskadi (1) signed joint explanation in which They demand the expansion of the current Moratoriums to the new Eucalyptus plantations in Galicia and Bizkaia until at least 2030. They also claim the expansion of this measure to the entire north: to Asturia, Álava, Cantabria and Gipuzkoa.
According to the Data from the various forest stocks, eucalyptus plantations continue to spread in most northwestern and northern areas of the Iberian peninsula. To infringe forest planning, the increase in the surface of these plantations has been added in recent years.
It is mainly motivated by the Solid replacement of needle -productive plantations (Monterrey Pine and fundamental sea pens) that are hit by various forest plays. In response to this problem, the respective forest managers have temporarily prohibited (in Galicia, from 2021 to the end of 2025 and in Bizkaia, from 2022 to the end of 2025) to try to stop the massive replacement of conifers by Eucalyptus.
Is Temporary prohibitions have been connected in Portugal since 2017, And that it will be in force until 2030, which means that the lines have bought and lease Eucalyptus plantations in Galicia and Asturia, which increases the pressure in the areas.
Despite the power of the moratoriums, which ended in Galicia and Bizkaia in 2025, Failure to comply with the moratorium and the persistence of diseases that influence pines have followed a rising trend.
Therefore the Ecologists ask for the expansion and expansion of these moratoriums to paralyze current surface growth that is occupied by Eucalyptus In the Spanish state, as long as the fulfillment of the objectives of forest planning, the diversification of the productive masses for the entire value chain of the forest sector and the security of ecosystems and protected natural spaces is not guaranteed.
This statement is preceded by another made in Galicia, where Sectorial organizations of wood, environmental organizations, forests and various foundations have signed a joint explanation In favor of the expansion of the morator of Eucalyptus in this autonomous community, at least until 2030 (2).
‘This eucalypticization process in the north of the peninsula, which has already been completed in Galicia, occurs at a time when the Xunta has given the Galicia green light to a new cellulose factory, the project of the Portuguese paperblast Altri, which would increase the demand of Eucalyptus Wood in the near future. Altri and the expansion of eucalyptus plantations are the same. We have to stop this nonsense ” Explain the signing organizations.
Entities are on it: “2025 is an important year for Avoid a phenomenon for eucalypticization in other areas That has already taken place in Galicia. The forest sector of the north of the peninsula cannot be allowed to walk to the economic monoculture of the production of cellulose.
Not only is productive diversification and maintenance of the various value chains at stake, but also the search for a better adjustment of ecosystems for climate change, with models for new forest management From plantations that prevent the current situation from being repeated within a few years. “
The increase in Cut condition in needle and eucalyptus plantations is a phenomenon related to climate changeBut it is also the responsibility of a plantation management model that is very vulnerable to vermin, burning and loss of soil fertility.
For this reason, in the explanation the development of New silviculture models that make greater resilience of the productive masses possible Before future scenarios, looking for greater diversification (intra -specific and inter -specific), avoiding the repetition of the jungle model based on regular, monoe -specific plantations, with the use of agrochemicals and short of facts, which are very vulnerable to the effects of the current the effects of the current the effects of the current the effects of the current the current effects.
For organizations signed by the statement, ‘It is essential to reopen the debate on the impact of Eucalyptus that thrive outside plantations and their interaction with ecosystems. A few years ago, the forest of the Spanish state made this debate in False through a decision with too many political components that decides to hide Under the carpet proof of the effect on the biodiversity of the naturalized eucalyptus in the various areas. “
Ecologists ask that, within the Ministry of Ecological transition and demographic challenge (Michtd), a multidisciplinary working group that tackles the effects on the biodiversity of the expansion of the Eucalyptus outside the plantations, Especially within the protected natural spaces (3), as well as the evaluation of the economic costs of the extermination in kind 2000 network areas.
Mentioned request It has already been expressed to the minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the meeting of 22 May of the National Forestry CouncilAnd repeated in the Environmental Advisory Council (BED) on 2 June.
The signing organizations also require the national plan for the restoration of the nature of Spain, in a state of elaboration at the moment by the Miterd, Absorb restoration projects from areas affected by naturalized eucalyptus in protected natural spacesAs well as the progressive reduction in the commercial plantations of Eucalyptus in the Natura 2000 network.