They request the declaration of the Holy Chestnut of Istán as a Natural Monument of Andalusia

The Andalusian Chestnut Platform, composed of representative entities from the chestnut sector in the autonomous community and coordinator of initiatives for the improvement of Andalusian chestnut cultivation, has expressed its support for the conservation and protection of the emblematic Holy Chestnut Tree, located in the municipality of Istán, in the Sierra de las Nieves region. Thus, in a statement, the platform urges the Andalusian Regional Government to declare the Holy Chestnut as a Natural Monument of Andalusia "and to provide it with the necessary resources to ensure its protection and conservation, balancing its preservation with public enjoyment under criteria of respect and sustainability." "The Holy Chestnut is a symbol for the chestnut production sector in Andalusia and a benchmark of our natural heritage. Its protection is a collective responsibility," stated Francisco Boza Sáez, head of the Chestnut Sector of COAG Andalusia, representing the platform. Indeed, according to information disseminated by the Andalusian Chestnut Platform, there are various factors that could be compromising the conservation of the tree, such as the impact of climate change, which weakens the specimen against pathogenic agents; the incidence of pests and diseases affecting the Andalusian chestnut groves; or the pressure derived from the high number of uncontrolled tourist visits, which causes soil compaction and deterioration of the immediate environment due to constant trampling. These bases or threats are what underpin the platform's request, which, as they point out, is also based on the current regulatory framework, including Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, and Law 8/2003 on Wild Flora and Fauna of Andalusia.