The Sustainability and Environment Councilor of the Andalusian Government, Catalina García, has inaugurated the Nature Classroom located in the recreational area of Burguillos, in Bailén (Jaén). She was accompanied by the mayor of the town, Luis Mariano Camacho; the territorial delegate, María José Lara, and councilors from the City Council, whom she congratulated «for creating a meeting point for the residents of Bailén and visitors, to highlight the natural space that surrounds us.»
The new facilities, which have entailed an investment of over 600,000 euros, add to the one and a half million euros mobilized through different programs and action plans in the area, with activities to promote environmental education and conservation of the natural environment. The Classroom features spaces for conducting workshops, awareness activities, and training on biodiversity, sustainability, and natural resource management. Additionally, it has multimedia equipment and interactive areas that will allow visitors to learn in a didactic way about the ecological richness of the public forest where it is located.
During the inauguration, the councilor highlighted the importance of these initiatives «in line with the awareness-raising efforts we promote from the Andalusian Government, focused on environmental protection and biodiversity.» «This Nature Classroom is a clear example of our commitment to sustainable development and environmental education, offering a learning space in the heart of nature,» she emphasized. She also stressed that this facility «will serve as a meeting point for researchers, associations, and groups interested in natural conservation.» «Without a doubt —stated the Sustainability and Environment Minister of the Andalusian Government—, the implementation of this project will allow residents and visitors to enjoy and better understand the valuable natural environment that Bailén has.» She added, «This infrastructure will attract educational centers and associations from across the province.»
Catalina García also emphasized that «the project has taken into account the rich biodiversity in the area and, in fact, more than 110,000 euros have been allocated, co-financed with European FEADER funds, for improvement actions in the public forest of Burguillos under the Junta de Andalucía’s grant line aimed at increasing the environmental value of forest ecosystems, within the Rural Development Program of Andalucía.»
On the other hand, the Mayor of Bailén, Luis Mariano Camacho, who recalled «the effort made by the City Council over the past years to complete the project,» highlighted «the positive impact it will have on local tourism, as it is expected that the Nature Classroom will become a reference for ecotourism and active tourism in the area.» Similarly, he stated, «We trust that the Classroom will help maintain ecological balance, where hunters, farmers, athletes, and, ultimately, nature lovers learn to enjoy and respect, in equal measure, natural spaces, seeing them for what they are, shared by a large number of living beings with the same right as us to have their home preserved in optimal conditions for life maintenance.»
The Nature Classroom of Burguillos is part of a program of actions for the improvement and conservation of natural spaces in Andalusia, contributing to the dynamization of sustainable tourism and the promotion of environmental education in the region. Among the activities that will be carried out in this space are interpretive routes, environmental volunteer days, and specific programs aimed at students and vulnerable groups to promote their connection with the natural environment.
Additionally, the project has had the collaboration of various entities and experts in environmental conservation, allowing the integration of sustainable technologies in its design and construction. The infrastructure uses energy efficiency systems, such as the use of renewable energies and ecological materials, with the aim of minimizing its environmental impact. With this initiative, the Andalusian Government reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, promoting spaces that allow citizens to enjoy, learn, and actively participate in the conservation of the Andalusian natural heritage.