# Tree removal controversies in Spain and Ecuador

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tree-removal-controversies-in-spain-and-ecuador
> Updated: 2026-08-25T00:07:24.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Protests have emerged in Spain and Ecuador following the removal of significant trees. In Spain, municipalities like Castilleja de la Cuesta faced criticism for felling a centennial araucaria to facilitate urban development, an act described by environmental groups as an “arboricide”. In Tenerife, officials have planned the removal of trees near schools and health centers due to safety risks.

In Ecuador, residents in Samborondón expressed outrage after four trees were cut without permits. Local efforts to replant trees were reportedly blocked by a municipal committee, leading to accusations of hypocrisy from local foundations.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Environmental groups denounce ecological mismanagement in Spain

Environmental groups in Spain denounce waste management failures in Cuenca and unregulated recreational activities damaging protected marine ecosystems in Murcia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/environmental-groups-denounce-ecological-mismanagement-in-spain

### 2026-07-30: Tree removal controversies spark protests in Spain and Ecuador

Municipalities in Spain and Ecuador face backlash after cutting historic araucaria trees, prompting protests and accusations of environmental neglect.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tree-removal-controversies-spark-protests-in-spain-and-ecuador

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Cite as: Tree removal controversies in Spain and Ecuador. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tree-removal-controversies-in-spain-and-ecuador