In March 2026, FUNDEM acquired its 20th plot of land. This consists of two small parcels in the municipality of Alcubierre, Huesca province, covering 3.18 hectares. These lands have significant biological value, as they contain centuries-old junipers and holm oaks, and border a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The properties were previously owned by the Asociación Árboles Para Siempre (Trees Forever Association), which is currently being dissolved. FUNDEM has taken over their care and conservation.
Biologist and environmental scientist Íñigo Gárate will be responsible for their stewardship, leading an exciting project aimed at conserving the existing habitat, maintaining the ecological and traditional integrity of the land, and ensuring the protection of representative plant species, especially the centuries-old junipers and associated Mediterranean vegetation. This project will also guarantee soil stability, ecological functionality, and the reduction of risks that could lead to degradation, such as fires or erosion.
PLANNED ACTIONS
Biodiversity Inventory and Unique Elements
An inventory of the plant and animal species present will be carried out, as well as the identification and location of unique specimens such as centuries-old junipers or others that may have special characteristics.
Signage
Unique elements such as junipers will be marked in a simple manner, and a small path will be defined, if appropriate, to allow for safe passage through the property.
Preventive Fire Risk Management
Continuous scrub and dry grass will be reduced in a controlled manner within a 5-10 m perimeter around the property and in specific points within the property where necessary, to prevent the accumulation of fuel for fire.
Runoff Management and Erosion Control
Natural water drainage channels will be kept clear to prevent uncontrolled flow concentration, correcting rills or erosion points to promote infiltration and reduce soil depletion. On slopes where concentrated runoff is detected, shallow, narrow trenches may be constructed following the contour lines. These trenches are designed to slow the water flow and facilitate its gradual infiltration into the ground, thus preventing the formation of rills and slope degradation. The condition of terrace walls, which provide soil stability and slope stabilization, aid in water infiltration, and prevent erosion, will also be reviewed.
Other issues
All elements that could have an impact will be reviewed, such as the potential uncontrolled spread of processionary caterpillars or other situations typical of the specific ecosystem. In appropriate areas, the possibility of targeted restoration with native species will be assessed, thereby reinforcing the vegetation structure and improving overall resilience.
