ENVIRONMENTAL protection officers in Los Velez, Estancias, Filabres and Sierra de Gador have received new vehicles to help in their fight against nature crimes.
The four new off-road cars were unveiled by regional delegate for Environment and Spatial Planning, Antonio Martinez, at the La Silveria recreational area in Purchena.
Mr Martinez said that by buying the new fleet at a cost of €90,000, the Junta de Andalucia intends that the environmental agents are able to carry out their work effectively and with greater comfort, plus additional security.
He added that the regional authority had chosen 4×4 vehicles because of their multifunctionality, because during consultations both technicians and the police told us that it was very important to have vehicles suitable for all of their work, which is often carried out on forest tracks and minor roads.
The official also said that monitoring local forests is critical during the summer, when wild fires are common, while highlighting that environmental degradation is almost always down to negligence.
Many of our best beaches are located in fragile natural spaces, and only through respectful behaviour are we able to combine leisure with conservation.