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Regenerate Soils, Clean the air and Stop Desertification

Our eco-social initiative is focused on agroecological restoration, soil regeneration, air pollution control, and sustainable agricultural waste management in rural areas of southern Spain. We contribute to the decarbonization and climate resilience of vulnerable rural areas. At the centre of our initiative is the empowerment of local farmers to restore their soils and apply regenerative agricultural practices
workshop14decposter-spanish

Subcripcion formación 14.12.2025 

Estimada comunidad:

Se acerca la temporada de quemas controladas y nos gustaría ofrecerles la oportunidad de colaborar con nosotros para reducir el uso de fuego abierto y producir valioso biocarbón para sus suelos.

Con la membresía anual de 30 €, pueden consultar nuestros servicios aquí (http://sierrapreta.lasalpujarras.online/).

Además, para la temporada de quemas controladas, les ofrecemos lo siguiente:

1. Pueden recoger el horno o podemos entregarlo e instalarlo en su propiedad por 90 €.

2. Para aprender a usar nuestros hornos, ofrecemos capacitación individual por 110 € o talleres grupales por 20 €.

3. Un horno gratis durante una semana; posteriormente, la tarifa diaria será de 15 €.

4. También ofrecemos el servicio de quema controlada en su terreno por una contribución de 20 € por hora.

5. Todo el biocarbón producido mientras el horno esté en su terreno es suyo.

workshop14decposter-english

Subcription workshop 14.12.25

dear community,

the burning season is about to start and we would like to give you the oppurtunity  to work with us together to reduce open fire and produce valuable biochar for your soil.

with the annual membership of 30eur, you can see our services here (http://sierrapreta.lasalpujarras.online/),
Further can  we offer for the burning season:


1. The kiln can be picked up, or we can deliver and set it up to yours for 90€


2. To learn how to run our kilns, we offer individual training for 110€ or in groups workshop for 20€


3. One kiln up to 1 week for free, further will be the daily fee 15€


4. Additionally we offer to run the burn on your land for you for and hour contribution of 20€


5. All the biochar produced while the kiln is on your land is yours.

Our Mission
Every year we are experiencing stronger effects of climate change, and these are ever so troubling in the dry region of Andalusia. Sierra Preta aims to contribute in the reconstruction of a resilient ecosystem by reducing further emissions and assisting to remove carbon dioxide from our air.

We are a non-for-profit association dedicated to replacing uncontrolled agricultural burns by Biochar production, regenerating our soils to stop the desertification of Andalucía.

Biochar fosters adaptation to climate change by restoring soil health, biodiversity, nutrient and water retention. Therefore serving as the perfect tool to reduce both the impact and the frequency of droughts in the region.
1
Open fires Prevented
1tonnes
CO2 Sequestered
1kg
Biochar Produced
1
Community Members
unicorn burn side

During the burning seasons Sierra Preta moves our mobile reactors from land to land so our members can produce Biochar instead of burning their pruning residues. The process of producing high-quality Biochar with our reactors is simple, and we train people so they can do it themselves.



We take care of the transport and maintenance of the kilns as well as the organisation of promotional and awareness-raising activities on the use of Biochar as an alternative to agricultural burning.



Finally, we have several research projects related to the role Biochar production can play in local renewable energy production or water filtration systems.

English Brochure
Español Folleto

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Why BioChar?

At Sierra Preta, we offer a circular and regenerative solution based on the production and application of biochar (a highly stable, plant-based activated charcoal). This material is obtained through pyrolysis—the heating of biomass in the absence of oxygen—avoiding emissions and generating a resource with multiple environmental and agricultural benefits. 
Eco System Restoration
Biochar applied to the soil acts like a natural sponge: it improves soil structure, increases its water retention capacity, promote microbial activity, and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. It can also aid in ecological restoration efforts by improving soil quality in degraded or disturbed landscapes, promoting vegetation establishment.
Climate Change Mitigation
Furthermore, biochar is a stable carbon sink, capable of sequestering CO2 for centuries, contributing to a carbon-neutral society. Ongoing research explores new applications for Biochar.
Reduce Air Pollution
Our biochar production is controlled within a steel reactor and produces little smoke, gases, and particulate matter. Therefore, it significantly reduces air pollution and the risk of fires.
Biochar's versatility and beneficial properties make it a promising tool for addressing environmental and agricultural challenges in various domains.

Our Vision is to Regenerate Productive Ecosystems and Stop Desertification.

  • Better air quality by reducing traditional open burning of pruning waste
  • Reduce wildfire risks
  • Reduce of carbon dioxide and methane emissions, therefore mitigating climate change
  • Remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in soils for centuries, reversing climate change
  • Increased soil fertility and nutrient retention
  • Increase soil moisture and increasing its resilience to droughts
  • Improved soil organic matter and microbiome
  • Offering a sustainable material alternative for applications, such as water filtration and construction materials
  • Renewable energy production
  • Reduce organic waste
  • Promotes a social and circular economy through distributed production
  • Open and accessible for everybody
  • Decontaminate soils and reduces the use of agrochemicals on farms

 Social Ecological Collective

Our activities are articulated around core values ​​of social economy, rural empowerment, climate justice, intergenerational equity, and democratic participation. We believe that truly sustainable development is only possible if it is rooted in participatory, inclusive, and fair processes, where rural citizens are not only beneficiaries but also active protagonists of change.

Our proposal not only addresses climate resilience but also generates direct and sustainable local economic impacts. The distributed model we employ allows for flexible and efficient biomass management, adapted to the logistical challenges of rural areas. Therefore, the collection, transportation, and transformation of plant waste into biochar using mobile reactors is a labour-intensive activity, which translates into a tangible opportunity for local job creation.

In this regard, we implement labour policies aligned with the principles of the social and solidarity economy: we implement a single hourly wage, higher than the regional average, and prioritize the hiring of young people, recognizing the high youth unemployment rate in Andalusia and the need to foster decent opportunities in rural areas.

These actions directly contribute to strengthening the local socioeconomic fabric, giving rise to a resilient, green, and socially inclusive circular economy.

We promote a regenerative economy ecosystem, supporting agroecological entrepreneurship through training in practices such as regenerative agriculture and the production and distribution of biochar and its by products. We encourage the incorporation of related initiatives as members of the association to strengthen synergies and support local business initiatives. Our goal is for farmers, technicians, young people, and local entities to find in these practices not only environmental solutions, but also diversified, stable, and sustainable sources of income.

Environmental education, scientific dissemination, and knowledge transfer are essential pillars of our work. Through equitable access to information through workshops, training, and open resources, the knowledge generated by Sierra Preta is distributed horizontally. To date, we have organized four community workshops and ten practical training sessions for farmers, teaching them how to produce their own biochar and apply it effectively on their farms. These activities build local capacity and technical sovereignty, in line with climate justice objectives.
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