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Date Published: 29/08/2024

Murcia government prepares to buy the largest natural area in the Region

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The Castillo de Chuecos estate, spanning 488 hectares, is located in the Sierra de Almenara near Águilas

Murcia government prepares to buy the largest natural area in the Region

The government of the Region of Murcia is finalising the purchase of the Castillo de Chuecos estate, a significant natural area in the Sierra de Almenara near Águilas. This acquisition will make it the largest public natural space in the Region.

The estate, known for its rich biodiversity, was initially bought in 2004 by a group of private owners led by the late Domingo Jiménez Beltrán, the first executive director of the European Environment Agency.

The purchase price is still under wraps, but the estate, covering a massive 488 hectares, has been appraised at around 2.7 million euros.

The property, a mountainous area with access from the Mazarrón road, includes forests, an olive grove, an aloe vera plantation, a large house with a wine cellar and a chapel. Recent additions include a water reservoir and a solar power installation.

Chuecos is home to diverse wildlife, including the Moorish tortoise, genets and various birds of prey like the eagle owl, Bonelli's eagle and golden eagle. For this and many other reasons, the estate is part of the Natura 2000 Network, which protects valuable natural areas across Europe.

Initially, the owners aimed to preserve this area’s natural and cultural heritage themselves while doing their bit to promote sustainable economic activities. However, following Beltrán’s death in February 2023, the estate was put up for sale.

Although Spain's Ministry for the Ecological Transition showed interest, it was the Murcia regional government that ultimately pulled the trigger and decided to buy this valuable piece of real estate.

The regional Ministry of the Environment is still trying to decide what the land, which will essentially end up being a huge natural park, should be used for, but they are leaning towards environmental education.

The Chuecos estate, which includes ruins of an 11th-12th century Arab castle, is a crucial part of the Special Protection Area for Birds in the Almenara, Moreras and Cabo Cope areas.

“It is a unique opportunity to improve natural preservation and promote it as a space for environmental education that contributes to the protection of biodiversity,” said Juan María Vázquez, Murcia's Minister of the Environment.

This purchase is part of a broader strategy by the regional government to acquire and protect valuable natural spaces.

In other news: Mazarron council opposes huge fish farm off the coast of the bay

Image: Consejo de Agricultura Ecológica de la Región de Murcia - Caerm

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