Projects

Resume

Organic farming in Mallorca has been gaining momentum over the years, driven by a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. With a significant portion of the island’s agricultural land already dedicated to organic farming, Mallorca has the potential to become a model for agricultural transformation. In light of the challenges posed by climate change and the need for nature-based solutions, a unique project has emerged: the creation of a nursery of holm oaks grafted with sweet acorn varieties. This innovative initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers new economic opportunities for farmers in the island.

The Problem

Mallorca, like many Mediterranean regions, is facing the consequences of climate change, including rising temperatures and water scarcity. These factors have led to the decline of traditional crops such as almond trees, leaving the agricultural landscape in need of adaptation. Additionally, the holm oak, a resilient tree well-suited to the Mediterranean climate, has remained underutilized and unexplored in terms of its agricultural potential. Furthermore, the rich biodiversity of sweet acorn holm oak varieties unique to Mallorca is at risk of being lost, with these valuable trees often relegated to feeding animals.

Collaboration

In order to address these challenges, Mallorca Preservation is actively supporting the Associació de Varietats Locals, which has initiated a project to establish a nursery of holm oaks grafted with sweet acorn varieties. By grafting young holm oaks with these sweet acorn varieties, the project aims to promote their agricultural use and create a landscape reminiscent of the traditional dehesa, integrating trees with agricultural fields. This integration offers multiple benefits, such as providing shade for animals, sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide, and enabling farmers to utilize the fruits of these trees, as has been successfully done with carob in recent years.

Goals

• Preserve the biodiversity of sweet acorn holm oaks unique to Mallorca.
• Establish a landscape reminiscent of the traditional dehesa, integrating holm oaks with agricultural fields.
• Sequester carbon dioxide by planting and maintaining holm oaks.
• Enhance the diversity of trees in agricultural areas, facilitating pest control and ecosystem resilience.
• Create economic opportunities by utilising sweet acorns for various products and promoting their nutritional value.
• Engage and educate volunteers, raising awareness about biodiversity conservation.
• Increase visibility and recognition of Mallorca’s rich biodiversity.
• Train technicians in the specialized grafting techniques for holm oaks, ensuring the continuity and expansion of the project.