the new Climate Change and Energy Transition Law approved last April 8 by the Spanish Congress of Deputies highlights the importance of forests and sustainable forest management to ensure that they continue to perform their environmental and ecosystemic function. This is the case of corks, which carry out essential tasks such as the fixation of carbon dioxide, the creation of employment in rural areas, the maintenance of the hundreds of species of plants, mammals, birds or amphibians and reptiles that live there or the provision of environmental services such as the regulation of the hydrological cycle, soil conservation or fire prevention as stated in the study "The value of the environmental services of the cork oak forests in Catalonia".

Compensate for CO2 retention ^­

The text of the new law establishes financial compensation mechanisms for forest owners and foresters who, thanks to their agricultural and forestry activities, create carbon dioxide sinks that reduce global warming. It also encourages the use and consumption of forest products to minimize the carbon footprint of sectors such as construction in order to move towards energy efficiency and decarbonisation.

The approval of the new State Law on Climate Change has been celebrated by important forestry entities such as Confederation of Forestry Organizations of Spain or the Forestry Consortium of Catalonia. According to COSE, "investing in sustainable forest management is the best way to maintain forests so that they continue to fulfill their ecosystemic and environmental functions". The CFC, for its part, emphasizes that it recognizes "thousands of people who, with their dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm, work for the conservation and improvement of their heritage. This task benefits the country as a whole, since privately owned forest land represents nearly 80% of our forest spaces".

The new climate law is also great news for the cork sector, and its star product, cork, which is natural, recyclable and renewable. Cork oak forests have a negative carbon footprint and are therefore a great asset in moving towards a lower carbon economy. The recognition of their work is, therefore, a commitment to the planet that contributes to mitigating the effects of a global challenge of the dimensions of climate change.