The Andalusian government under Moreno Bonilla (PP) has given the green light for the felling of tens of thousands of centuries-old trees in the Vega de Mestanza, leading to fierce resistance and protests from residents since Wednesday morning. Despite widespread criticism from environmental organizations and local associations, clearing machinery has already begun to enter the sensitive natural area. The plan involves uprooting over 20,000 trees, a measure sharply condemned as an irreparable “ecological attack.”
Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction vs. Environmental Protection: A Conflict Escalates
The measure, pushed by the Junta de Andalucía, aims to construct a new wastewater treatment plant. While the government emphasizes the necessity of this infrastructure for improving wastewater treatment in the region, deeming it “strategic,” explanations regarding more environmentally friendly alternatives are absent. The Vega de Mestanza, often referred to as one of the last green lungs of the Málaga metropolitan area, is now threatened with partial destruction if the current plan is not halted.
Police Deployment and Political Disunity: Resistance Grows
To ensure access for heavy machinery, the regional government has reportedly deployed riot police. This comes against the backdrop of massive protests in recent days that have already attempted to block the works. The political opposition is divided. Only VOX has clearly sided with the demonstrators. Benito Morillo, a Member of the Andalusian Parliament, accuses President Moreno Bonilla of “using violence against the people to commit an ecological crime” and denounces the deployment of riot police to bring in the machinery.
“Unprecedented Environmental Catastrophe”: New Mobilizations Announced
Meanwhile, neighborhood associations and environmental platforms are already announcing new mobilizations. They intend to use all means to try and avert what they call an “unprecedented environmental catastrophe.” The conflict over the Vega de Mestanza once again highlights the tensions between economic development and urgently needed environmental protection in one of Spain’s most ecologically valuable regions.
