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Torrevieja commits to declaring the Sierra Escalona a natural park
Sierra Escalona is one of the most unique and unspoiled areas of the Vega Baja
In a move that has been hailed as a major victory for environmentalists and locals alike, Torrevieja Mayor, Carlos Mazón, has committed to declaring Sierra Escalona a natural park, something which residents have been requesting since the 1990s.
The announcement was made during a recent visit to the area, where Mazón met with local residents and environmental groups to discuss the future of the southern Costa Blanca.
The Sierra Escalona is one of the most unique areas of the Vega Baja and, together with the La Pedrera reservoir, the Dehesa de Campoamor and the Cristo and Pujálvarez mountain ranges, constitutes a habitat with a stable population of endangered birds of prey such as the owl and the golden eagle.
The area is also home large forests of Aleppo pine and dryland crops such as almond and carob trees.
In its entirety, this green expanse extends through the municipalities of San Miguel de Salinas, Orihuela and Pilar de la Horadada and borders the Campo de Cartagena and the Mar Menor.
For decades now, the Sierra Escalona has been a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. However, despite its natural beauty and ecological importance, the area has faced numerous threats in recent years, including urban development and environmental degradation.
In the heart of the future natural park, one of the most exclusive golf courses in the Valencian Community was built and, today, luxury villas and apartments continue to be built there for residential tourism, mostly foreign.
More recently, the council turned down several proposals for photovoltaic parks as well as one for a waste treatment plant near the Pujálvarez mountain range. Apart from staunch opposition from residents, the authorities argued that these plans would damage the landscape and natural beauty of the area.
Once the Sierra Escalona is declared as a natural park, it will mean a big economic and tourism boost for the Vega Baja, and going forward, the mayor has pledged to work with local residents and environmental groups to ensure that the area is managed in a way that balances economic development with environmental protection.
Images: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela
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