La Laguna Launches Community Project to Restore Abandoned Farmland in Valle de Guerra

The La Laguna City Council has partnered with the Plataforma Pueblo Unido association to restore farmland and historic orchards in Valle de Guerra. The council has allocated 20,000 euros to fund the project’s activities for this year.

This initiative aims to tackle long-standing issues in the Northeast region, where a lack of new farmers and environmental decline have led to significant land abandonment. Local officials, including Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez and Rural Development Councilor Cristina Ledesma, identified soil erosion and the climate crisis as the primary threats to the area's agricultural future. To combat this, they are introducing a community-led management model that encourages local residents to help design practical solutions.

Around 60 people, including local youth and residents, are currently involved in the project. Their work includes analyzing the land, conducting training workshops, and identifying which plots have the most potential for recovery. By the end of the year, the group plans to present a set of technical proposals that have been reviewed and approved by the community.

This partnership reflects a broader effort by local governments to improve food security and land management as concerns over abandoned farmland grow. Beyond economic benefits, the Valle de Guerra project serves as a model for participatory governance, ensuring that rural development is shaped by the people who live and work on the land.