Andalucía has established itself as a Reference in sustainable forest management and demonstrated it again at the State Network of Public Forests (REMP) meeting that took place on February 5 and 6 at the Natural Visitor and Forest Center in Los Alcornocales, in Alkalá de los Gazules, Cádiz. In this context, «Technical covers of continuous coverage in the Canary Quercus masses». A key meeting for innovation in forest management and the valorization of forest resources.
This meeting brings together technical experts in forestry and representatives from the wood and wine industry. From the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment, the objective was to analyze the potential Quejigo (Quercus canariensis Willd.) as a key species in the regeneration of the Alcornobal mountain and in the diversification of forest uses. The initiative is part of the strategy of the Junta de Andalucía to ensure the sustainability of these ecosystems, to promote their resilience against climate change, and has opened up new economic opportunities for forest owners.
The Los Alcornocales Natural Park is one of the most valuable enclaves of Andalusian natural heritage. Traditionally, its management was related to the use of cork, a resource with high ecological, economic, and cultural value. However, the difficulties in the natural regeneration of the cork oak, due to various factors, suggest the need to rethink the current management model of these forest systems.
To address this situation, the Junta de Andalucía has launched a new approach to forest management, in which the jungle continues to be of special relevance. This model allows us to intervene in the forest masses progressively and selectively, favoring the regeneration of species such as Quejigo and cork oak that stimulate ecosystem balance.
The counselor of the General Directorate of Forest Policy and Biodiversity of the Junta de Andalucía, Gabriel Gutiérz Tejada, said, «the objective is to guarantee the regeneration of these mountains and at the same time, offer sustainable economic alternatives to owners. So far, cork, along with montanera and pastures, was the main resource, but we want to expand the range of uses, and Quejigo wood can play a key role in this process.
Quejigo and its value in the wine sector
One of the most innovative points of the day is the analysis of the potential of Quejigo wood for use in the wine industry. The use of oak barrels has been a regular practice in wineries around the world, but so far, the wood used mainly comes from foreign species such as French or American oak.
The study being carried out in Andalusia is trying to characterize the physical, mechanical, and organoleptic properties of Quejigo to determine its suitability for the production of barrels. If the results confirm its potential, this resource could become a local alternative for the winemaker, reducing dependence on imports and promoting a more sustainable production.
It was precisely on this day that the participation of the president of the Regulatory Council for the Designations of Origin «Jerez-Xérès-Sherry», «Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda», and «JESIT VINEGAR», César Saldaña, to present the sector’s vision in this project. His intervention was accompanied by experts in the wood industry and university researchers analyzing wood from different perspectives, including structural resistance and compatibility with the growth of wines and spirits.
A silviculture model with a very favorable impact on biodiversity and soil
The approach of the jungle applied in Andalusia has a multifunctional vision, aiming to use forest resources while conserving biodiversity and improving soil quality.
«The continuous cover approach allows us to intervene in the forest without disturbing the ecosystem’s structure. Low-intensity actions are carried out to favor the natural regeneration of Quejigo and cork oak, ensuring that vegetation remains intact. This prevents soil erosion and allows seeds to germinate in optimal conditions,» explained Gutiérz Tejada.
As an improvement over traditional models, this new methodology prioritizes natural regeneration and ecological balance. The selection of initial trees, those to be used, is carried out based on their quality and role in the forest dynamics, ensuring that the new generations of trees have the appropriate space to develop.
The work being carried out in the Alcornocales Natural Park is an example of the Junta de Andalucía’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in forest management. This strategy aims to balance environmental preservation with the generation of economic opportunities for forest owners and residents of the Cork Oak regions of Andalusia, in a context where Mediterranean ecosystems face increasing challenges due to global changes.
The counselor of the General Directorate of Forest Policy and Biodiversity emphasized that «we are not just managing a resource, but we are protecting a natural gem of incalculable value. The regeneration of the Alcornobal mountain and the diversification of its uses are essential for its future. We want Quejigo and Cork to remain in our forests, and we are working to ensure that they do.»
The territorial delegate for sustainability and the environment in the province of Cádiz, Oscar Curtido; the conservator director of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, Juan Manuel Fornell; the head of the promotion and management area of natural resources of the Environment and Water Agency in Andalusia, María José Arias; the representative coordinator, Esther Pérez Martín, and the technical team responsible for managing the Alcornocales public, among other participants and authorities.