The director of the Biodiversity Foundation, a public foundation of the Government of Spain, under the Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, Ana Leiva, has participated in the presentation of the project “Columbra Initiative. Sustainable Development and Biodiversity Conservation”, which took place today in Murcia.

This initiative, developed by the Columbares Association with the support of the Biodiversity Foundation and the City of Murcia, has as its main objective to contribute to the conservation of the existing biodiversity in the area of special protection for birds (SPA) of Monte el Valle, Sierra Escalona and Altaona, in the Region of Murcia. Through this project, the aim is to achieve, through environmental awareness, the involvement of landowners, social agents and the population of the area.

Within the framework of the Columbra Initiative, a land stewardship program will be implemented through an informative campaign for the promotion of this tool and the establishment of these agreements with public and private entities to facilitate the management of the Columbares Association.

Likewise, the celebration of conferences on sustainable development in the area and the preparation of a manual of good environmental practices with the collaboration of professionals from the General Directorate of the Natural Environment and the University of Murcia are planned. In addition, a Sustainable Management Plan will be drawn up for the farms of the SPA.

To raise awareness among the population about the existing environmental values in the SPA of Monte el Valle and Sierra de Escalona and Altaona and involve them in the conservation of this natural space, several initiatives have been launched. Among them, there is the publication of educational materials and an environmental education campaign aimed at schools, as well as the general population and other specific groups.

After the presentation of the project, the inauguration of the Environmental Information Office in Fuente de Columbres, in the Port of Garruchal, took place.