Environmental workshop and olive tree planting session hosted by apadrinaunolivo.org in Oliete, Spain on 5th April 2025.
On April 4-6, 2025, our team embarked on a remarkable journey to the secluded Spanish town of Oliete, boasting a population of 300. This trip was made possible through an invitation from apadrinaunolivo.org, an organization with whom we have forged a collaboration. Over a weekend filled with environmental activities, bonding experiences, and valuable encounters, our group—comprised of volunteers from Poland, Spain, and ourselves—provided support for a project aimed at rehabilitating abandoned olive trees.
Aragon's Treasure Unveiled
The adventure commenced on a Friday evening, following lengthy travels from both Poland and Barcelona. As we reached captivating Oliete, Alberto—the brainchild of the apadrinaunolivo.org project—welcomed us. A convivial evening ensued, with team members enjoying local delicacies and fostering meaningful relationships while sharing stories. This communal meal served as an excellent prelude to the ensuing two days brimming with work and inspiration.
Green Avenues to a Sustainable Future
The following day began with energy and enthusiasm, as we immediately started planting new olive trees. Each participant had the satisfying experience of planting their own tree, contributing to the lasting impressions in Oliete's olive groves. By lending our support to apadrinaunolivo.org, we joined forces with an organization dedicated to restoring life to abandoned olive groves.
Working together in this capacity went beyond mere environmental contributions. Transforming the parched earth became an emotional voyage, imbued with reverence and introspection. The profound impact of human intervention, long absent from these lands, was evident, instilling in us a renewed appreciation for Earth's delicate equilibrium.
Notably, the initiative of Apadrinaunolivo.org forms part of a broader effort to combat rural depopulation and stimulate sustainable development in traditional olive groves. It casts a socially impactful net, offering opportunities to people with disabilities, rural women, young villagers, and those who are socially and economically excluded. By combining agriculture with digital technology, it also breathes new life into dwindling rural communities.
As part of our partnership, we have been emotionally connected to our sponsored olive trees through experiences and gifts. We eagerly look forward to receiving olive oil from our trees while following their growth via the "Mi Olivo" app. Since its inception, the initiative has gained support from over 9,000 sponsors across 28 countries, demonstrating its universal appeal and innovative deployment of technology in preserving natural resources and developing rural economies.
In line with the sustainable development goals, our manual and digital efforts merged during the weekend, working alongside Apadrinaunolivo.org to rejuvenate Oliete's abandoned olive groves. This lifestyle choice, promoting environmental-science and home-and-garden regeneration, significantly contributes to the global movement towards a greener future.
