Marina Alta Ecosystem Restoration

About the Project

The Marina Alta is a region in the northeast of the Spanish province of Alicante, known for its diverse landscape of beaches, rocky coastlines, orchards, marshlands, and steep mountain ranges. The climate is distinctly Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters, making it a popular destination for tourists. While rainfall is rare, it tends to be extremely intense—Marina Alta records the highest rainfall intensity in all of Spain.

When Forests Burn: Consequences for Land and People

The village of Pego, located in this region, was severely affected by major forest fires in 2015 and again in 2022. These fires devastated large areas of forested mountainsides, leading to several harmful consequences: unprotected soil erosion, reduced water infiltration and aquifer replenishment, a less appealing landscape for residents and visitors, and the release of thousands of tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere.

From Ashes to Action: A Community-Led Restoration Project

To address this, Desert Leaves, the Municipality of Pego, and the local association Pego Viu have partnered to gradually restore the landscape in a sustainable way. In the first phase, around 8.9 hectares have been rehabilitated with erosion control measures and carefully selected fire-resilient vegetation to create a healthier, more attractive, and fire-resistant environment. The project aims to expand in the coming years, with support from corporate sponsors, both in Pego and surrounding villages.