The Consell has declared Sierra de Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor a natural park, creating a new protected area in the Vega Baja. The site covers land in the municipalities of Orihuela, San Miguel de Salinas and Pilar de la Horadada.

The decree establishes a special protection regime under the Valencian Community’s legislation on protected natural areas. It follows the Plan for the Management of Natural Resources, approved by the Consell in February 2026. That plan takes precedence over other territorial and urban planning rules affecting the area. It also identifies Zone I as an area of high environmental value, where restrictions will be stricter.

The declaration aims to protect habitats, biodiversity, ecosystems, landscapes and geodiversity, while maintaining traditional activities such as farming, livestock, forestry and nature-based recreation under sustainable conditions. The environment department will draw up a Plan for Use and Management, setting out rules for public access, research, conservation, signage and environmental education.

The decree also provides for a governing board, bringing together public authorities, local groups, environmental organisations and representatives of the area’s productive sectors. The declaration will not automatically increase Generalitat spending, although other administrations and organisations may help fund restoration work, public facilities and education projects.