51st National Congress of Parks and Gardens
Last May, I collaborated with the 51st National Congress of Parks and Gardens of Spain. It was three incredibly engaging days under the theme “Building biodiversity in unique spaces”, which served as the central focus of the presentations and workshops.
That was PARJAP 2025 in Marbella — an event from which we not only learned a great deal but also reinforced many ideas that we are already putting into practice along the coast.
Gerard Passola’s participation, where he stated that the primary goal of a tree-planting plan is “the well-being of the people,” is something I’ve supported for years. I couldn’t agree more. He also highlighted the significant benefits that trees provide to the population, both in terms of health and social well-being: “Nature makes people happier and better,” he affirmed.
We are fortunate in our city that Gerard Passola — scientist, activist, and member of the European Arboricultural Council (EAC) — was the one to present the progress of Marbella’s Urban Tree Master Plan. This strategic roadmap aims for sustainable, resilient, and innovative management of the city’s tree heritage. He is the lead author of this plan, which includes planting nearly 8,000 specimens of various species, making the most of the town’s “exceptional climate.”
“Public spending must be useful and focused on freeing up human space.” — G.P.
“Gardening must shift towards environmental awareness,” was the message from María Jesús Rodríguez de Sancho — Director General of Biodiversity, Forests, and Desertification — in her presentation. She emphasized that numerous European regulations, with milestones and projects across all ecosystems, will need to be implemented in the very near future.
During the talk by Enrique Salvo Tierra, Director of the Climate Change Chair at the University of Málaga, titled “The city as a refuge and driver of biodiversity”, I was struck by one of his images illustrating “The Future of the Urban Ecosystem.”
The image showed land surface occupation by category:
33% Desert | 31% Forests | 18% Other Ecosystems | 15% Croplands | 3% Cities
The Congress concluded with the gala ceremony for the PARJAP 2025 National Awards, which recognize excellence, innovation, and commitment to green infrastructure and public space management in Spain. Seven winners were honored for their work toward well-being, biodiversity, and the sustainable future of our cities.
Fotografía: Revive PARJAP