New life for Cartagena's Galeras Mountain in major green project
Cartagena Council plans to reforest Galeras with native trees and restore historic sites using European funding
Cartagena’s Galeras Mountain is set for a green transformation, as the local council prepares a major reforestation and restoration project backed by European funding.The first phase of the plan will receive around €300,000 from the EU’s Horizon programme, and will be carried out in collaboration with two experienced environmental groups – ARBA (a native forest restoration group) and ANSE (a nature conservation organisation).
The initiative mirrors the successful Roman Forest project already underway nearby, and aims to breathe new life into Galeras while also preserving its historic features.
The area involved covers around 90 hectares of hillside land. As part of the plan, non-native Aleppo pines will be replaced by indigenous species such as European juniper, better suited to the local terrain.
The project will also include systems to harvest and store rainwater to keep the young plants alive during the critical early years.
Mayor Noelia Arroyo met with the heads of ARBA and ANSE this week to discuss next steps. “They are stakeholders and allies, and we will count on them,” she said. “This space must become a green lung for the city.”
Both environmental groups have worked extensively across Cartagena in the past and will contribute their knowledge to the design and planting strategy. ARBA’s president, José Luis Sánchez, expressed his support.
“We’re very satisfied,” he said. “The mayor has assured us that everything we’ve done so far will be respected and valued.”
The reforestation effort is just one part of a wider project that also includes restoring the area’s defensive heritage. Cartagena City Council recently purchased the land from the Spanish Navy, and there are already ideas in motion to turn the long-closed Galeras Castle into a public hostel linked to hiking and eco-tourism.
ANSE’s director, Pedro García, added that the project could even include recovering part of the coastline for public use.
“This is a space of exceptional natural and scenic value,” he said. “Combined with its historical and architectural heritage, it has the potential to make Cartagena an even more beautiful city.”
The council also plans to involve local heritage group Aforca, to ensure the area remains open and accessible to the public. The long-term aim is to boost Cartagena’s natural appeal while protecting its past and encouraging responsible tourism.
If approved, the proposal will be officially submitted to the European Horizon Programme this September.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena
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