- A well-kept 15-year-old chestnut can generate a product of between 6,000 and 8,000 euros per hectare per year. However, an area of the same size populated by eucalyptus, between 1,000 and 2,000 euros, as you can read on the website of Info Asturies.
A study on the possible use of the Asturian mountains reveals that the exploitation of chestnut trees can multiply the benefits of eucalyptus plantations by six.
In addition to the direct sale of chestnuts, chestnut wood has also become a very profitable product in the medium term. Chestnut flour, which is increasingly popular among people who are allergic to gluten, is a product of high added value throughout Europe.
In order to achieve the objective of not abandoning the mountains, it is essential that they become profitable. A well-preserved mountain is not so fragile in the face of fires, and its exploitation can offer a dignified life to the inhabitants of the mountain areas, preventing the disappearance of the mountains.
On the basis of these criteria, ideas are sought for the use of forest land from an economic, social and ecological perspective.