An environmental scandal is brewing in Murcia: in the Churra district, century-old pine trees are rapidly disappearing. According to the Huermur association for the preservation of Murcia’s huerta heritage, more than two-thirds of these unique trees have died in the past twenty years, despite their official status as protected objects.
The pines, some reaching heights of twenty meters, have been an integral part of the local landscape and a symbol of the region’s natural wealth for generations. At the beginning of the 21st century, Churra had 26 such trees, but today only eight remain alive, and one is in critical condition. Environmentalists point out that this represents the loss of 70% of a historic green area that should have been protected under municipal and regional laws.
Huermur points to inaction by city and regional authorities, who, according to activists, are failing to meet their obligations to preserve natural heritage. Environmentalists believe the situation has reached a critical point: the trees continue to die, while no measures are being taken to save them.
Huermur notes that one of the reasons for the accelerated disappearance of the pines has been the abnormal heat affecting the region. In addition, the closure of the local irrigation system — the Churra la Nueva canal — has worsened the drought, further harming the trees. Activists are demanding an immediate resumption of the water supply and emergency irrigation for the remaining pines.
The environmental organization plans to take legal action, believing that the actions or inaction of the authorities may fall under articles of the criminal code related to violations of environmental protection laws. In addition to urgent measures, Huermur insists on a long-term recovery program: for each lost tree, three new saplings should be planted using genetic material from the surviving pines. This approach will help preserve historical continuity and restore the traditional appearance of the huerta.
According to Huermur representatives, the loss of most of the centuries-old pine trees is not only an environmental disaster but also a serious blow to the cultural heritage of Murcia. Environmentalists emphasize that this is not simply about nature conservation, but about the state fulfilling its obligations to society and future generations.
The situation in Churra has become a wake-up call for the entire Murcia region. Environmentalists are urging authorities to take immediate action to halt the further destruction of this unique natural site and prevent similar incidents from occurring elsewhere in the region.
