Los Alcornocales Natural Park implements climate change mitigation strategies

Los Alcornocales Natural Park, spanning the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga, has become a vital natural laboratory for climate change research and sustainable Mediterranean forest management. Covering approximately 170,000 hectares, the area is being utilized to test new conservation and economic models.

Key initiatives include the LIFE CO2RK project, which leverages the Andalusian Emission Compensation System to allow private companies to fund carbon sequestration through forestry. This project aims to increase carbon capture while maintaining the traditional cork harvesting industry. To ensure the continuity of this trade, the FUTURECORK project and a specialized cork school have worked to professionalize the craft, certifying over 120 specialists in 2025.

Additionally, researchers from Pablo de Olavide University are investigating new uses for the Andalusian oak (Quercus canariensis). Once primarily used for shipbuilding, the species is being studied as a viable alternative for manufacturing barrels and structural components, potentially revitalizing its economic value beyond firewood.