Spain launches nationwide citizen mapping of urban tree coverage

More than 150 municipalities across Spain are participating in the ‘Ecomapeo Estatal – ¡Aquí falta un árbol!’ (Statewide Ecomapping – ‘Here a tree is missing!’) campaign on October 3 and 4. This citizen-led initiative aims to diagnose the current state of urban greenery and identify deficiencies in tree coverage to propose improvements to local governments.

Participants will use a digital platform to record empty tree pits, dried-up trees, stumps, or areas where trees lack sufficient space to grow. The mapping also targets locations where tree pits have been covered with cement or resins, which can hinder root development. The campaign is supported by various organizations, including Alianza por el Clima, Greenpeace, and Intermón Oxfam.

In Xàtiva, the neighborhood association Casc Antic Digne i Viu is leading a local effort to inspect the city's urban forestry. Their focus will be on the historic center, where they aim to identify areas with low vegetation and high sun exposure. The group intends to use the collected data to present concrete proposals to the Xàtiva City Council, such as planting trees in empty pits and installing planters in areas where new green zones are difficult to establish.