Rural development and regenerative agriculture
Son Torrella Estate Restoration
The Son Torrella Estate Restoration project aims to transform this 440-hectare mountain estate, the highest in Mallorca, into a model for conserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Serra de Tramuntana. Led by Tramuntana XXI with support from the Zayas family, the project seeks to demonstrate the economic viability of low-maintenance, sustainable rural estate management. This pioneering initiative integrates forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and low-impact productive activities, serving as a key project under FIM’s rural estate advisory service.
Leading Entity
Tramuntana XXI
Year
2024
Key Partnerns
Ajuntament d’Escorca, Ministeri de Defensa, COFIB, Mallorca Preservation Fund, Charities Aid Foundation, Amics de la Terra, Inmaculada Zayas
State of the Project
Ongoing
Keywords
Rural estate management, sustainability, environmental education, CSR
Sustainable Development Goals
The Challenge
The Serra de Tramuntana faces issues such as the abandonment of agricultural activities and the declining profitability of mountain estates, which threaten the conservation of its natural and cultural heritage. Bureaucratic barriers and the loss of traditional land-management knowledge make these spaces difficult to maintain, leading to increased fire risks, forest pest proliferation, and decreased rainwater infiltration. These issues impact both biodiversity and the local economy, underscoring the need for sustainable management practices.
The Solution
The Son Torrella project is designed as a comprehensive model for sustainable land management that balances environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and economic viability. The project addresses ecological degradation by restoring forests and native species habitats, managing fire risks, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, Son Torrella seeks to prove that low-maintenance management of large estates can be economically viable by producing low-impact, value-added products like honey and essential oils. By creating educational programs and interpretive trails, the project also aims to build a connection between the local community and the estate, raising awareness about the importance of sustainable practices in rural estate management.
Key Initiatives
- Forest Restoration and Biodiversity Protection: Active restoration and management of forested areas to safeguard native species and reduce fire risk.
- Economic Sustainability: Cultivation of aromatic herbs for essential oils, establishment of apiaries, and production of honey and other low-impact products to support the estate’s upkeep and conservation efforts.
- Environmental Education: Development of interpretive trails, educational activities, and community outreach programs to raise awareness about sustainable land management.
- Cultural Heritage Conservation: Restoration of heritage elements such as the estate’s traditional hydraulic system for water management and preservation of historical structures.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program: Engagement of companies in nature-based activities, such as reforestation and forest management, to foster environmental stewardship among employees.
Impact
Over the past four years, the Son Torrella project has contributed to sustainable forest management, heritage conservation, invasive species control, and public access management, with partnerships in hiking and climbing communities to maintain trails. Numerous environmental education and CSR activities have been carried out, showcasing that rural estate management can be both sustainable and economically viable. The estate also serves as a model for reviving traditional agricultural practices and developing new, low-impact production methods, with a comprehensive management manual in development to guide other estate owners.
Key Partners
- Tramuntana XXI: Project promoter, responsible for restoration and revitalization.
- Inmaculada Zayas: Committed estate owner supporting sustainable management.
- Amics de la Terra: Long-term partners in reforestation efforts.
- Ajuntament d’Escorca and Ministry of Defense: Local and state authorities with territorial competencies.
- COFIB (Consorcio per a la Recuperació de la Fauna de les Illes Balears): Partner in wildlife preservation.
- Mallorca Preservation Fund and Charities Aid Foundation: Financial supporters of the project.
Future Outlook
Son Torrella will continue to expand its educational and tourism programs, offering new training and awareness activities. The long-term goal is to establish Son Torrella as a replicable model for other estates in the Serra de Tramuntana, promoting sustainable management practices across the region. Currently, the project is in an infrastructure development phase, which includes restoring the water reservoir and renovating estate buildings to create an environmental education, training, and research space accessible to the public. This multidisciplinary center will host activities and permanent exhibitions on the natural and cultural values of the Serra. Additionally, Son Torrella will be incorporated into the Regenerative Renaissance Project of the Serra de Tramuntana, expanding its role in regional sustainability efforts. For more information, visit the Tramuntana XXI website.
Learn More
For more information, download the brochure.
