The future of urban trees in Herencia is at the center of controversy due to the allocation of space for a new Health Center as shared by Ecologistas en Acción to this and other media outlets.
Herencia is facing growing concern about the future of its urban trees, particularly in the emblematic Plaza Cristo de la Misericordia, where residents have expressed concern about the possible cutting down of mature trees that have so far helped to compensate for the lack of green areas in the locality. This controversy has gained momentum after the recent allocation of this space for the construction of a new Health Center, which has alerted both residents and environmental organizations.
According to Ecologistas en Acción, Herencia is well below the recommended standards in terms of green spaces. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests between 10 and 15 square meters of green space per inhabitant, with a distance no greater than 300 meters or a 5-minute walk from these areas. However, residents of Herencia only have 3.1 square meters per inhabitant, far from the ideal. Furthermore, the only municipal park is located on the outskirts, exacerbating the situation.
Progressive loss of urban trees
The urban trees in Herencia have been decreasing in recent years. Since 2018, trees in emblematic squares such as Plaza de Cervantes, Plaza de la Iglesia, and Plaza del Convento have been cut down. This loss of vegetation, combined with the possible felling in Plaza Cristo de la Misericordia, jeopardizes the scarce green space remaining in the urban area.
This situation has mobilized residents and environmental groups, who advocate for the multiple benefits of trees for the health, well-being, and quality of life of citizens. According to these organizations, trees not only beautify the environment and provide cultural and historical value, but also play a vital role in regulating temperatures, especially in a context of climate change where high temperatures affect urban areas more severely.
Impact of climate change in Castilla-La Mancha
The situation worsens in a region like Castilla-La Mancha, where the impact of climate change is alarming. According to official data, between August 1 and 8, 2024, 63 deaths attributed to heat were recorded, a figure that rises to 138 deaths since the beginning of July. Scientific studies suggest that a tree cover of 30 % in cities could reduce premature deaths related to heat waves by up to 33 %.
Faced with these figures, Ecologistas en Acción and residents consider it contradictory and unreasonable to destroy green space that helps mitigate the effects of heat to build a Health Center, when there are other location alternatives. They also criticize the lack of transparency by the Herencia City Council, which has not provided detailed information on the decisions made to date.
Demand for greater transparency and citizen participation
In the absence of clear answers, environmentalists have requested access to File No. 2494/2023, which contains details about the allocation of land for the new health center. They demand the right to environmental information and citizen participation in the management of public spaces, recalling that these are collective heritage of the municipality’s residents.
The lack of dialogue between the City Council and residents during the previous meetings has caused discontent among the population, who demand explanations for the reasons for tree felling and the choice of Plaza Cristo de la Misericordia as the location for the new medical center.
The future of trees in Herencia remains uncertain. The construction of the Health Center in Plaza Cristo de la Misericordia has sparked a debate on the need to preserve green spaces in an urban environment increasingly affected by climate change. The community hopes that the City Council will provide the requested information and consider the proposed alternatives to protect the environment and the quality of life of its citizens.
Spanish post in Preocupación en Herencia por la tala de árboles en la Plaza Cristo de la Misericordia
