The Galician Nationalist Bloc has proposed the extension of the moratorium on eucalyptus plantations in Galicia. The formation argues that eucalyptus has become a monoculture in several areas of the region, due to agreements between landowners and forestry companies, its natural expansion, and the abandonment of other species. According to data from the Continuous Forest Inventory of Galicia, the eucalyptus area has increased from 131,000 hectares in 1973 to more than 413,000 today, occupying 14% of the territory.
The nationalist deputy has emphasized that Galicia needs to diversify its forestry industry, moving away from the monoculture of eucalyptus. The Bloc proposes to gradually reduce the presence of eucalyptus in illegally afforested areas, in environmental, cultural, infrastructure, and coastal protection zones. Additionally, they advocate for the conversion of lands with eucalyptus plantations that have no productive use.
The increase in eucalyptus plantations has had a significant impact on the forest area of Galicia, which currently stands around 60% of the territory. To counteract this trend, the Bloc proposes to extend the moratorium for another 5 years, until 2030, following the example of Portugal, which has also banned new eucalyptus plantations until that date. Since mid-2021, new eucalyptus plantations have been temporarily prohibited in Galicia, according to the farmland recovery law.
