MiMonte Project

About the Project

One-third of eastern Spain is covered by forests, 70% of which are privately owned—mostly inherited and situated on abandoned agricultural land. These forests often lack investment and are increasingly vulnerable to climate-related threats such as drought, wildfires, plant diseases, and biodiversity loss.

MIMONTE promotes climate-smart restoration and sustainable management of degraded Mediterranean forests by empowering local actors and facilitating knowledge exchange. Led by Desert Leaves, in collaboration with Pego Viu and Regenera Natura, the project is rooted in four reforestation initiatives located in:

• Pego
• Fuente la Reina
• Sant Joan de Labritja
• Sant Josep de Sa Talaia

Objectives

• Raise awareness and expand knowledge on climate-smart reforestation through regional and provincial campaigns.
• Engage local communities and foster public-private collaboration in sustainable forestry financing, development, and governance.

Targeting local communities, private companies, municipalities, and NGOs, MIMONTE adopts a bottom-up approach—from the municipal level to provincial and autonomous community scales. It aims to facilitate access for local forest owners to innovative ideas, financial tools, and practical examples.

MIMONTE will serve as a catalyst, encouraging private landowners to actively participate in reforestation efforts across the region.

A 40-Year Commitment for Climate Resilience

Carbon sequestration aggreements between landowners and the Spanish Ministry of Environment span 40 years, requiring continuous forest maintenance. This long-term commitment ensures environmental sustainability while enhancing community engagement in forest management and conservation.

Dryland forests, which cover 10–20% of Spain’s total land area, provide essential ecosystem services but are increasingly threatened by climate change. By engaging both public and private stakeholders, MIMONTE has strong potential for large-scale impact and replication throughout Spain.

A Project in Partneship With