The best alternative to mass death of pine plantations caused by fungi
- It is already known that the intensive plantations of Pinus radiata, originating in California, have caused a collapse in the landscape of Bizkaia. Almost all pine plantations (more than 70,000 ha in Bizkaia) are expected to suffer in five years from three fungi which seriously damage the health of pines: Red band, Brown band and Fusarium.
In the east of Bizkaia the damage caused is more severe and is spreading rapidly to the west. In addition, the loss of soil by scraps leads to a slowdown in the growth of future plantations, a decrease in fragility and profitability.
In the face of this dramatic situation, the Forests platform of all colours is grateful for the economic services provided for the profitability of pine radiata. However, it is urgent to respond to the concerns of many baserritars and private owners and to find an innovative solution to the Bizkaia forestry sector. It is essential not to prioritize the monoculture of eucalyptus, since the problems that have arisen in Galicia and Portugal are already known: increased risk of fires, loss of life, abandonment of rural areas, erosion due to rains, new diseases of eucalyptus, low genetic diversity, depletion of water resources, great economic dependence of the owners in relation to companies that buy paper pulp…
It is essential that the whole of society, as well as the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, the municipalities, the baserritars, the forest owners, universities, companies in the sector, the unions, local associations and the environmentalists decisively support forestry close to nature.
This forestry, which requires a tailor-made investment, has more than 100 years of history in Europe and is based on the sustainable economic profitability of the indigenous forest: high-quality wood, fungi, fruits, without resorting to felling, avoiding erosion and taking advantage of the dynamics of the forest.
Forestry close to nature has developed very well in Switzerland, Germany, France and Slovenia for over half a century. Also in northern Burgos, which has less economic resources than Bizkaia. It is urgent and necessary to learn from the best and to reject the models that have failed in Galicia, Portugal or Chile.
Restructuring forestry aid and new investments to help private owners wishing to start forestry are essential. In addition, cooperatives formed by small owners managed by the Administration can be the solution to the collapse of the radiata pine of Bizkaia. On the Forests of All Colors platform we have been trying for a long time to strengthen the forest and forestry of Bizkaia.
We are convinced that together we will change the forest and forestry direction of Bizkaia towards a more environmentally friendly and economically profitable model.
Forests of all colours in favour of native forests! !
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