The initiative promotes self-consumption, sustainability and the recovery of traditional agricultural practices
The beneficiaries are mainly unemployed, pensioners, large families, people with disabilities and groups at risk of social exclusion.
This Monday, the Cabildo of La Gomera held the ceremony of handing over the keys to the 29 winners of the social gardens located on the island estate of 'El Cercado', a space recovered for agricultural use. This step completes the award process that began last August, consolidating the island Corporation's commitment to sustainable agriculture and support for vulnerable groups.
The island president, Casimiro Curbelo, stressed the relevance of this initiative, which combines social, economic and environmental objectives. "With social gardens we give a second life to unused public land, while at the same time we provide many families with the possibility of opting for self-consumption agriculture. It is a way to reinforce self-sufficiency, reduce household expenses and, at the same time, contribute to environmental education and care for the environment," he indicated.
Likewise, Curbelo valued that these projects strengthen the ties between citizens and the rural environment, allowing the recovery of traditional agricultural practices and promoting community cohesion. “It is a model that integrates people of different generations and profiles, promoting mutual learning, solidarity and collaboration between neighbors,” he added.
For her part, the Primary Sector Minister, Noelia Morales, recalled that the award has been made based on priority criteria that favor unemployed people, pensioners, large families, people with disabilities and groups at risk of social exclusion. Not having another social garden and not carrying out agricultural activity professionally were also taken into account. “We want these spaces to not only be places for cultivation, but also meeting points, training and awareness about the importance of close agriculture, respectful of the environment and with high social value,” he said.
During the delivery ceremony, the successful bidders received information on the rules for the use and maintenance of the orchards, as well as technical guidelines for optimal use of the plots. The Cabildo will make training support available to users in good agricultural practices, composting and sustainable water management, in order to ensure the viability of the project and guarantee that the land fulfills its social and environmental function.
