The Itsaslur promenade in Muskiz, a privileged area surrounded by the sea, nature, and remnants of the town's mining past, has become the site of an ecological recovery project. Driven by Petronor, with support from Fundación Repsol and Grupo Sylvestris, 1.4 hectares have been reforested and two arboretums established.
This initiative has led to the planting of 844 specimens of twelve different native species. Furthermore, two arboretums featuring twenty native tree and shrub species, such as birch trees, have been created as educational tools designed to introduce younger generations to the knowledge and conservation of the local natural environment.
The planted specimens are equipped with QR codes, allowing citizens, particularly young people, to learn about each plant and raise environmental awareness. This project is part of the Itsaslur Master Plan, a collaborative effort involving the Basque Government, the Provincial Council, the City Council, and Petronor, aiming to preserve the Basque coastal countryside and promote the sustainable integration of activities like agriculture, livestock farming, and heritage valorization.
“"The inauguration of this project is another step towards promoting Itsaslur with an innovative approach, deeply committed to the environment and sustainable development."
José Ignacio Zudaire, Petronor's executive director, highlighted the exceptional potential of this area for reforestation and agricultural initiatives, noting that plots owned by the refinery have been allocated for local residents to engage in farming and livestock activities.
“"We support a green, prosperous, and sustainable future. Environmental awareness is essential, which is why we want this arboretum to be an open classroom."
Javier Torres, Director of Repsol Impacto Social, added that environmental awareness is crucial and that the arboretum is intended to serve as an 'open classroom'. The project, presented to students from Cantarrana and San Juan schools, was celebrated by Arantza Atutxa, Deputy for Natural Environment and Agriculture, as a space that will bring nature closer to new generations.
Fran Martínez, co-founder of Grupo Sylvestris, stated that this is just the initial phase of a larger sustainability effort. Amaia Barredo, Minister of Rural Development, further commented that institutions will work on the master plan to further enrich this space, which holds significant value and potential.
