Three gardens in Andalusia have been designated as 'Eco-Sustainable Spaces of Europe'
In the sun-drenched region of Andalusia, a commitment to sustainability is blooming in its green spaces. Three of Europe's unique parks and gardens have been certified as 'Eco-Sustainable Spaces', setting a new standard for ecological management.
The 'Eco-Sustainable Space' certification, pioneering in Spain and the European Union, is managed by the Andalusian Ecological Autonomous Community (CAAE), a specialist in international ecological production certification. To earn this quality seal, spaces must comply with more than 60 control points verified by CAAE technicians.
The certification is not limited to traditional parks and gardens but extends to green areas of monumental spaces, accommodations, hotels, and sports facilities. In Andalusia, the Alamillo Park in Seville, the Yeguada Cartuja Hipic Center in Jerez de la Frontera, and the green surface of the Plaza Mayor Shopping Center in Malaga have all been certified.
Malaga's shopping center is a trailblazer, being the first of its kind in Europe to obtain this certification. The criteria for this certification are designed to evaluate green spaces where chemical toxins are not used, soil fertility is promoted, and both water usage and aquatic and light pollution are reduced.
The private entity behind this certificate has evaluated more than half of Spain's ecological production surface. However, the identity of the company remains undisclosed in the search results.
Labor conditions for employees are also part of the evaluation. As Óscar Martínez, an Andalusian agricultural engineer and strategic collaborator of CAAE, highlights, 'The enormous potential of this approach lies in the growing societal awareness of environmental respect and commitment to sustainability.'
Municipalities throughout Spain are following suit, transforming their traditional parks into more resilient and environmentally respectful models. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Vitoria are already investing in the creation of green roofs and vertical gardens.
The use of chemicals in parks or gardens where children play is a 'disaster' today, marking a 'total change in paradigm.' Interest in this certification is growing among public administrations, municipalities, and institutions, as well as in the private tourist sector seeking sustainable tourism.
The evaluation includes aspects such as the origin of irrigation water, fertilizers used, or the promotion of natural soil fertility. The type of machinery used (preferably electric) is also evaluated. The 'Eco-Sustainable Space' certification is akin to the one that governs ecological foods but is designed to evaluate green spaces instead.
As society becomes more conscious of the environment, the demand for sustainability is increasing. Andalusia is leading the way, demonstrating that green spaces can be beautiful, sustainable, and accessible to all.
Read also:
- Wawa avian tests positive for West Nile disease
- Individuals suffering from ailments such as arthritis or asthma could potentially secure £30,000 in financial aid for home renovations at no cost to them.
- The market for Kraft Lignin is projected to increase at a rate of 7.2% each year until 2034.
- Revising hair care practices with cynorrhodon extracts for addressing hair fragility
