Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid, has welcomed an Amazon-funded project to restore nature in Arco Verde, a “green ring” around Spain’s capital. The company invested €2.2 million to reduce pollution and improve access to nature through the planting of 24,000 trees and shrubs, 14 kilometres of new pedestrian and bike paths, and a 60-metre footbridge over the Henares River.
The project has enabled the rewilding of more than 16 hectares between the San Fernando de Henares and Rivas-Vaciamadrid districts, made possible through Amazon's Right Now Climate Fund, which helps communities become more climate resilient while enhancing biodiversity across Europe.
Amazon’s grant also enabled the installation of nesting boxes for native species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and pollinating insects like bees or butterflies, as well as signposting for visitors. The funding also supports clearing, cleaning, and conservation.
"This marks a significant milestone in Amazon's commitment to the welfare of the Community of Madrid,” said Ruth Díaz, Amazon’s country manager in Spain. “For us, it is a unique opportunity to positively impact the region, improving the quality of life of inhabitants, including the thousands of people who work at Amazon and live near the reforested areas. Our goal is to continue generating a positive impact in the region, supporting both local talent and the nature and biodiversity that surrounds us."
Community of Madrid's flagship project
Once completed, Arco Verde will have a total length of approximately 200 kilometers, surrounding the Madrid metropolitan area. It is expected to connect people with natural spaces across 25 municipal districts.
"Arco Verde demonstrates that collaboration between the public and private sectors really works. We want to especially thank Amazon for their important support, because from the moment they learned about this initiative, they committed to it and are demonstrating that commitment today,” said Isabel Díaz Ayuso. “This action shows how the countryside, the rural world, digitalisation, and business can work together to create great projects and should go hand in hand."
Jorge Capa, Mayor of Mejorada del Campo, commented: "Today is an historic day for Mejorada del Campo. This is a key project for all residents of Mejorada, who will now have much more comfortable and quicker access to the natural surroundings of the Henares River and its wetlands."
Amazon's drive for environmental projects in Spain
In September 2021, Amazon announced it would invest 20 million euros from its $100m Right Now Climate Fund in nature projects throughout Europe. Arco Verde is the second of these projects in Spain. In April 2023, Amazon announced the launch of the educational initiative "Green Helmets" in collaboration with CIFAL Málaga-UNITAR and the Regional Government of Andalusia. As part of that project, Amazon also funded the reforestation of a 500-hectare area in Sierra Bermeja, Málaga, which was devastated by fire in 2021.
Learn more about Right Now Climate Fund projects supporting climate resilience and biodiversity all over Europe here.
