May 24, 2021
The multinational ceramics company is replanting an 8-hectare plot of forest land with Aleppo pine, to slow down erosion and create carbon sinks.
With the aim of protecting the ecosystem in Crivillén (Teruel) and the native fauna found there, Porcelanosa has completed the first phase of reforestation at Portomé mine, planting 10,400 Aleppo pine trees.
We want to create a permanent and stable forest which can regenerate over time.
The multinational has created new tree cover across 8 hectares of mineral area, the main objectives being carbon fixation, soil maintenance, water retention and reducing the impact on the landscape. "With the reforestation and planting maintenance work we're doing, we want to create a permanent and stable forest which can regenerate over time. This will help promote carbon fixing, slow down active erosion, and improve the region's natural assets and landscape by involving the population in the management of the forest and mountain area, with economic activities linked to environmental spaces", explains a representative from the department of Quality and Environment at PORCELANOSA, responsible for overseeing the project.
The sustainability-driven project is forecast to absorb 1,664 tons of CO2, in turn complying with the criteria established by the Carbon Footprint Register, offsetting and absorption projects set out by Spain's Ministry for Ecological Transition in 2014.
Aleppo pine trees were chosen for three key reasons:
Given that this particular species grows so well on mountainsides, the trees have many phenotypic and genotypic characteristics similar to the region's native forest species, correcting the process of land erosion. "In terms of density, 1,300 trees have been replanted per hectare. We've launched a planting campaign for the months of November and December, which could be extended if the weather conditions are favourable", added a company representative.
Members of the PORCELANOSA sustainability department
Looking 40 years ahead
The project to plant Aleppo pine trees and consequently limit CO2 has a 40-year projection. This is the time period over which each tree is forecast to absorb a quantity of 160 kg of CO2, reaching 1,664 tons in total. "Maintenance and conservation will be concentrated over the first two years from planting, focusing on replanting, irrigation and clearing scrubland, to each tree growing fully, eventually helping with forest fire prevention", says PORCELANOSA Group.
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