Alcobendas has activated an ambitious reinforcement of its green infrastructure with the arrival of 5.288 native plantsThe delivery, coordinated by the Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDRA – Madrid Institute of Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development), represents the visible start of a planned reforestation that prioritizes native species and areas with high ecological potential.
The municipality will receive more than 24.000 copies in the next three years; the first ones are being implemented in the Valdelatas Mountain and will extend to urban parks, educational centers and new natural spaces, such as the Princess Leonor Forest Park and the green areas of the development of Los Carriles-Valgrande, con el objetivo de increase biodiversity and climate resilience.
A green boost for Alcobendas and the region
The action is part of an agreement between the IMIDRA and Federation of Municipalities of Madrid (FMM)which includes the distribution of 25.000 plants in its first phase. A total of 35 municipalities has already joined the initiative, of which 19 have formalized their request to begin the plantations with adapted plant material your environment.
The start in Alcobendas The event was attended by institutional and technical representatives who reenacted the first planting in Valdelatas. Among the authorities present was the mayor. Rocio Garcia Alcantara; the Minister of the Environment, Agriculture and the Interior, Charles Novillo; the president of the FMM, Judith Piquet; Councilman Environment, Jesus Montero; and the Deputy Director General of Research and Rural Development at IMIDRA, Pedro Castaño.
For the operational deployment, the City Council has planned to distribute the specimens throughout different green areas with the support of specialized companies such as SEROMAL, El Ejidillo, Licuas and SoriguéThis logistics will allow stagger the plantings and ensure that each area receives the most suitable species according to its soil and orientation.
The delivered lot includes Mediterranean scrub and shrubland such as strawberry tree, rockrose, broom, lavender, rosemary, thyme, guelder rose, buckthorn and blackthornThis is native flora selected for its climate adaptation and its ecological utility, also considering criteria for managing plant fuel to improve the environment's resistance to fires.
The plants come from Germplasm Bank of Wild Flora of the Forest Island of Madrid (BIFORMAD), with annual production close to 100.000 units in the IMIDRA nurseries of Arganda del Rey and El EscorialIt is used there controlled seed collection and conservation techniques to ensure the genetic quality and viability of native and threatened varieties.
Where it will be planted and how it will be monitored
Addition Valdelatas MountainReforestation will reach urban parks, playgrounds and school environments, as well as the future Princess Leonor Forest Park and the new developments of Los Carriles-ValgrandeThis distribution seeks to create green corridors and strengthen ecological connectivity, integrating native vegetation into spaces of everyday use.
Own IMIDRA will assume the monitoring and evaluation of the plantings to verify root establishment, vegetative development, and the response of each species to the environment. This data will allow for adjustments to replanting and guidance later studies on ecological restoration and biodiversity management at the municipal and regional scale.
From an environmental point of view, the incorporation of native shrubs and scrubland acts as carbon sinkIt improves the soil, benefits beneficial insects, and provides shade and thermal comfort in urban areas. This reinforces the green infrastructure and progress is being made in adapting to climate change with technical and low-maintenance criteria.
Coordination between the Community of Madrid, FMM and municipalities allows for alignment species conservation of interest, environmental education, and improvement of the urban landscape. The project also serves as a reference for other European cities seeking to integrate native flora in its urban planning with measurable results.
With the first installment of 5.288 plants and the prospect of overcoming 24.000 copies In three years, Alcobendas takes a decisive step to naturalize its neighborhoods, consolidate Valdelatas and create new green lungs like Princesa Leonor and Los Carriles-Valgrande, under a scientific, coordinated roadmap with a vocation for permanence.