Saving the trees in Elviria

More than 60 people joined forces in Elviria to protect the cork trees. Neighbours of all ages spent Sunday the 27th of October looking after the environment. 

The organisation Plataforma Costa del Sol por el Medio Ambiente called upon local residents to help out in the oak forest in Elviria. People cleared all the rubbish and sowed acorns. Members from different associations like Marbella Activa, FFF Marbella, Generación Verde and political representatives from PSO, IU and Unidas Podemos all attended event.  

Another important task was doing the oak tree census. A mobile application was used to pinpoint each tree’s exact coordinates, which are then uploaded to Google Earth. This innovating way to do the census is a great way to protect the evergreen oaks and avoid any doubts. The green event was all in all a big success but work continues to maintain the important area and species. 

Twelve years ago, a big building project resulted in many oaks being cut down. Once again, the area is under threat with a new plan for housing.  The company has already started testing the land with the support of Marbella Town Hall but the project hasn’t received a building license yet. 

Neighbours are petitioning to save the cork oaks and the rich ecosystem that comes with them. The future of 33 adult trees and many more young ones is uncertain, remembering that the trees are also home to many animals. As an alternative for the luxury development that is going to be built, a compromise is proposed: the reuse of land where abandoned concrete skeletons stand. A campaign has been launched on Change.org and 1.500 people have already signed.