Our efforts to combat land degradation continue on the ground. As part of the MONALISA project’s ongoing study subcases, ADROCHES recently conducted a specialized reforestation activity in the Spanish dehesa – a unique and vital ecosystem that requires precise care to thrive.
The Mission: 90 Holes, Two Methods
The goal of this activity was not just to plant trees, but to gather data on the most effective ways to ensure sapling survival in arid conditions. The team prepared 90 planting holes across the site, in which acorns were sown, using a comparative approach to see what works best for Mediterranean restoration.
Two planting devices were tested side-by-side:
The Cocoon: A biodegradable “water reservoir” designed to support establishment during the first critical stage of growth.
Tinatree: A specialized device aimed at protecting and optimizing the growth environment for the young oaks.
The dehesa is a unique and culturally important landscape, shaped over generations and known for its ecological richness. However, like many Mediterranean ecosystems, it faces increasing pressure from climate change, land degradation, and difficulties in natural regeneration. Reforestation efforts such as this one are an important step toward strengthening resilience and supporting long-term ecosystem recovery.
This activity also highlights the value of combining hands-on fieldwork with experimentation. Testing tools such as Coccon and Tinatree can help generate practical knowledge for future restoration actions, offering insights into which methods may be most effective under local conditions. Small-scale trials like this can play an important role in informing wider landscape restoration strategies.
Why This Matters
Reforestation in the dehesa is a challenge due to water scarcity and soil conditions. By documenting this process and monitoring the progress of these planting points, the MONALISA team can determine which technology offers the highest success rate for future large-scale restoration projects.
What’s Next?
The activity has now moved into the monitoring phase, where the team will observe how the acorns respond under the different planting conditions. We will continue to share updates on this and other study subcases as the project progresses.
