Biodiversity recognition

ELCHE has received recognition for its good practices in terms of biodiversity

The awards ceremony, took place in Madrid on Thursday, February 9, and highlighted Elche City Council in the category of Citizen Awareness.

The councillor for the Environment, Esther Diez, stated that “nearly 100,000 people participated in the outreach activities organised by the Department of the Environment in 2022 and this award represents recognition of the important task that is carried out from the area to promote and preserve biodiversity in the areas of our municipality, actions in line with

One-tonne doors

THE original entrance gates to the Castle-Fortress of Santa Pola were removed for restoration on Sunday, February 12.

The doors date from the 16th century and weigh approximately one tonne. The restoration period is expected to take approximately one month.

The Castle-Fortress was built in 1557 as part of the project to defend the coasts of the Kingdom of Valencia and to protect and defend sailors and their families from frequent attacks by pirates and corsairs on our coasts, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries.

This square, stone building with rectangular two towers and two bastions at opposing corners, was built in the renaissance military style. The soldiers lived within the walls in homes that gave onto the interior weapons courtyard. It was garrisoned by 33 men who lived there with their families. These included the mayor, his second lieutenant, 30 soldiers and a chaplain, who remained in the castle until the 18th century.

the sustainable development goals set by the UN and framed in the Elche 2030 agenda.

“In Elche, among other ecosystems, we have spaces of great biological value such as the Clot de Galvany, the Pantano or the Fondo, which are home to a wide variety of species that contribute to increasing the resilience of the planet and of people to climate change.”

She added: “For this reason, all the environmental education and dissemination work is carried out so that citizens can value this natural heritage, appreciate it and take care of it are vital.”

Battery building

SPAIN is reportedly one of the final candidates being considered by Jaguar Land Rover as the company aims to expand operations to build more electric vehicles. Jaguar has committed to going 100 per cent electric by 2025 and needs infrastructure to support its pledge.

The British car makers’ parent company, Tata, announced last month that the company was planning to expand battery building within Europe and India, but sources revealed on Friday, February 6 that Zuera in Zaragoza and Aragon could be chosen as locations for the new factory.

One of the sites was formerly considered as a location for a Volkswagen factory, and although it was not selected, it is considered a good strategic location for vehicle manufacturing. The final decision on the manufacturing site has not been made yet, but it is expected to depend on national and European incentives.

If either of the Spanish locations are chosen, it would give a valuable boost to the automotive sector.

SWITZERLAND announced on Friday, February 11 that it would block Spain’s decision to send two Swiss­made antiaircraft guns to Ukraine in the fight against the Russian invasion. The central European country said that this would break their centuries­long policy of neutrality.

The decision was announced on Friday after Spain submitted a request to send the weapons back in mid­January.

Switzerland’s policy of neutrality in conflict expressly bans the sale of Swiss­made products to be used in conflict scenarios, under its War Ma­