Forest management serves as a source of employment and wealth for communities. Its tasks include clearing activities that protect forest masses, preventing fires, controlling invasive species, and managing biomass. In the community, a 3,100-year commitment highlights the long-standing value of these efforts, a point stressed by the National Association of Forestry Companies (Asemfo) as it promotes the importance of their missions under the campaign #EmpresasDelMonte.
In the Valencia Community, about 350 companies and freelancers operate within this sector. They remind us that more than half of Valencia’s 2.3 million hectares are covered by forests, with most of it being Mediterranean mountain terrain. This ecosystem demands constant care to mitigate fires, the region’s main threat.
Despite precautionary measures and record heat, 2021 ended with a low level of fires compared to the past decade. Nevertheless, 240 fires burned 785 hectares. In this context, investment in forest management and preventive work has consistently been high, and Asemfo emphasizes that public administrations save money in the long run by preventing fires and safeguarding ecosystems. Arancha Lopez highlights the broader value of these efforts beyond immediate firefighting costs.
The business representative notes that proper forest management improves local flora and fauna, protects waters, and yields economic benefits. A recent study titled the Ministry of Ecological Transition’s Assessment of Natural Assets estimates a value of 649 euros per hectare per year. This figure reflects impacts felt by all citizens, including improved water quality, carbon sequestration, biomass production, crop supply, and better road conditions, illustrating the broader societal gains tied to responsible forest stewardship.
Forest management activity generated 3,105 direct contracts last year, underscoring its role as a crucial source of employment and a viable economic alternative for rural residents. It is estimated that about 30 jobs are created for every million euros invested in forest management, signaling a meaningful diversification of economic activity in these regions.
However, Asemfo notes that some citizens still react with concern when machinery operates in the forest or when debris and dust are cleared, accompanied by noise. The organization stresses that this work has always occurred under the supervision of environmental technicians and aims to develop the mountains, defend them, and ensure sustainable development for future generations.