A sustainable project focused on collecting native vegetation species and reclaiming 12,000 square meters of disused land is being developed in Vilaflor de Chasna. This area will be transformed into “a new attraction to visit the municipality and learn about the sustainable techniques we are employing,” said Mayor Agustina Beltrán. She is considering expanding this initiative to the entire 23,000 square meters that make up the Huerta Grande, located near the urban area. As the productive forest takes shape, workers are receiving academic training in gardening and sustainable agriculture.
One significant aspect of the Huerta Grande project, which features a water reservoir with a capacity of 6,000 cubic meters, is the recovery of areas from the original forest. This includes introducing temperate fruit trees, traditional crops, as well as aromatic and medicinal species.
In total, approximately 2,950 species of herbaceous and small shrubs will be planted, along with 900 medium-sized shrubs and 480 tall trees and shrubs. Additionally, the plantation will include eight native species such as dragon trees, cedars, pine trees, and Canarian palms.
Aerial and partial image of the work carried out in the Huerta Grande. | ED / Adrián Prado Fernández
With a budget of €763,538, of which €578,947 is provided by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy. This budget is used to promote educational and job practices in the field of organic agriculture. It will produce sustainable food and contribute to the preservation of native species.
During a recent visit, the Minister of Ecological Transition and Energy, Mariano Hernández Zapata, emphasized that Vilaflor is developing “a key project in the fight against climate change in the mid-mountain areas, as well as in promoting local development and the consumption of local food. The Huerta Grande will not only help improve the rural landscape but will also promote good practices in organic agriculture, produce sustainable food, and contribute to the preservation of native species,” said the minister.
The Vilaflor Huerta Grande is located next to the Sanctuary of Brother Pedro, in the urban area of the municipality. | ED / Adrián Prado Fernández
This productive green forest is located next to the iconic Casa de Los Soler and the Sanctuary of Santo Hermano Pedro, a strategic point that attracts thousands of national and international visitors. The project includes the construction of a phytodepuration plant and the installation of photovoltaic panels in the environment. Mayor Agustina Beltrán signed the purchase of the estate by the Town Hall on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at a cost of €500,000 funded by the Tenerife Island Council with funds from the Island Development Strategic Framework and the Development Fund of the Canary Islands.
