Sonora, Mexico, March 2025. – The palo fierro (Olneya tesota) is a slow-growing, highly resilient tree that plays a crucial role in the biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert, providing shade, shelter, and food for various species. However, its population has declined by approximately 30% over the past 500 years, leading to its classification as a species under special protection according to NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and as "near threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Reforestation in Mexico faces significant challenges due to ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss. It is one of the most important actions to mitigate the effects of climate change, as plant ecosystems act as a major temperature regulator by absorbing carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas.

For this reason, SPIC-Zuma Energía, at its "Orejana" solar park in Hermosillo, Sonora, reaffirms its environmental commitment through a conservation, production, and reforestation program for the palo fierro, a native species of the Sonoran Desert. For the past four years, the environmental team at the La Orejana Solar Park has operated a forest nursery dedicated to the reproduction of this species. To date, over 300 trees have been produced in the nursery, and around 500 specimens have been planted in various areas of the park, contributing to ecosystem restoration.

By producing palo fierro at the Orejana Solar Park, the initiative aims to restore its presence in the region and raise awareness about its ecological importance. Adapted to extreme conditions and with low water demand, this tree is a natural solution to mitigate desertification and strengthen ecosystem resilience against climate change.

Through this program, SPIC-Zuma Energía contributes to biodiversity conservation and aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Life on Land (SDG 15) and Climate Action (SDG 13).

"Clean energy generation must go hand in hand with environmental protection. The conservation of the palo fierro tree is a concrete action with long-term impact for the Sonoran Desert, a key ecosystem for Mexico's biodiversity," said Alberto Robles, Director of Health, Safety, and Environment at SPIC-Zuma Energía.

At a time when deforestation and climate change are urgent global challenges, initiatives like this demonstrate that the energy industry is a key ally in environmental conservation. SPIC-Zuma Energía will continue implementing projects that promote renewable energy generation and foster ecological balance in the regions where it operates.

For more information on SPIC-Zuma Energía’s environmental initiatives, visit: www.spicmexico.com/es/sustainability

Press Contact

Oscar Olmedo

eolmedo@cuadrante.com.mx

About SPIC-Zuma Energía

State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) is one of the world's largest energy producers and the leading global clean energy investor and independent power producer (IPP). Its installed capacity reaches nearly 250 GW worldwide, with investments, operations, and services spanning more than 47 countries and a workforce of over 130,000 employees. In Mexico, SPIC acquired Zuma Energía in 2020. With solar and wind power plants, the company has an installed capacity of 1.3 GW across five states.