On Sunday, June 6, 2021, as part of the celebration of World Environment Day, the Biosphere Reserve Mariñas Coruñesas e Terras do Mandeo organized an environmental volunteer day within the LIFE FLUVIAL project, with the collaboration of the National Association GN Environment. The jounay took place on the Monte Vecinal in Mano Común Monte das Moas, in the parish of Mántaras (Irixoa), with the involvement of the the land owners.
In 2019, the Community of Montes en Mano Común de San Antón, with the support of Leader grants, transformed an area of 3.8 hectares, previously occupied almost entirely by eucalyptus, with the planting of hardwood species such as oak, birch, cork, chestnut, walnut and cherry. This transformation is a demonstration of the productive skills of the forest in a sustainable way, as opposed to the usual deployment of fast-growing exotic forest species.
In order to raise environmental awareness about the use of native tree species, this day aimed to control the regrowth of seed eucalyptus, recurring in areas where the presence of this species is common. At the same time, volunteers contributed to the collection of waste in the vicinity.
The activities began with a brief introduction on the Biosphere Reserve Mariñas Coruñesas e Terras do Mandeo and the LIFE Fluvial project. In this talk participated the Rural Development Association Mariñas-Betanzos, partner of the project, also counting on the participation of the University Extension and Environmental Dissemination Center of Galicia (CEIDA).
Then, under the supervision of specialized monitors and with the indications of the neighbors of the area, a large group of more than 50 volunteers was distributed by the surface of action to undertake the programmed works.
At the end of the day, the start of more than 500 eucalyptus seed shoots was counted as well as the collection of approximately 100 kg of plastic waste, glass and scrap, the limes were duly removed and deposited in the corresponding containers