Adeje Builds 35,000sqm Thermophilic Forest for Climate Action

Adeje Town Council in Tenerife has started building a special forest covering over 35,000 square meters at the entrance to the town. This project aims to bring back an important ecosystem for the Canary Islands and help reduce the effects of climate change.

The area, which was previously run-down and sometimes used for events or parking, will become a large green space. This will make the landscape look better, help cut down on greenhouse gases, and provide shady spots.

More than twenty types of plants, both local and those suited to the climate, will be planted. These will create a natural habitat typical of the dry, warm areas in southern Tenerife. This new "El Galeón thermophilic forest" will connect the coast, which has cardón-tabaiba plants, with the middle parts of the island. It will feature plants that thrive in dry, hot conditions, such as junipers, wild olive trees, mastic trees, and palm trees. These plants will help absorb carbon dioxide, protect the land from erosion, and offer shelter to local wildlife.

Currently, the council is preparing the ground. This involves cleaning, repairing, and improving the soil to make it ready for planting. After this, machines will dig large holes, each two cubic meters, and remove the dug-out material. These holes will then be filled with rich, fertile soil. A drip irrigation system will be installed to water each plant directly, and checks will be done to spot any pests.

This project is also designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. The forest will be watered using recycled water from the local wastewater treatment plant. The soil will be improved with organic fertilizer, free from harmful substances like glass or heavy metals. This fertilizer is made from plant waste such as pruning clippings, garden and golf course trimmings, forest leftovers, and fruit and vegetable scraps. This compost, created through a natural breakdown process, makes the soil better physically, chemically, and biologically. It also helps balance the soil's pH in acidic or salty conditions and improves how plants absorb important nutrients.

Planting is expected to begin in about two months, if everything goes to plan. Adeje's Mayor, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, emphasized the town's strong commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. He called the creation of this large green area, next to the highway and at Adeje's entrance, a significant step for a town that values sustainability and protecting its natural environment. Mayor Fraga also mentioned plans to create similar green spaces elsewhere to expand natural areas and strengthen local environmental policies.