Andalusia Forest Law 2026: obligations for landowners and forestry companies

Key data

If you own a property with woodland in Andalusia, exploit forest resources, engage in hunting or livestock farming on forest land, or manage a municipality with forest assets, this law has applied to you since 13 March 2026. The Ley 3/2026, de 13 de marzo, de Montes de Andalucía is not a minor update: it is the comprehensive legal framework governing the entire Andalusian forest heritage, with specific obligations and a renewed penalty regime.

The regulation applies to both private owners and public entities, and covers everything from wildfire prevention to timber, hunting and grazing resource use. Understanding what it requires of you and what opportunities it opens is essential to avoid penalties and, where applicable, to access the support mechanisms the law itself provides.

What does this regulation establish?

Ley 3/2026 is the reference text for the planning, conservation and use of Andalusia's forest heritage. Its scope is broad and covers the following main areas:

A particularly relevant aspect for private landowners is the express obligation regarding sustainable management and firebreaks. The law leaves no room for discretion on this point: it establishes specific duties that must be met regardless of the size of the property.

Economic and operational impact

Ley 3/2026 has a dual economic dimension: it generates obligations with direct costs, but also opens business opportunities for those who manage their forest assets effectively.

Obligations with economic impact:

• Drawing up or adapting forest management plans, which may require engaging specialist technical consultants.
• Carrying out firebreak and wildfire prevention works on privately owned land.
• Bringing timber, hunting and grazing resource use into line with the new regulatory framework, which may involve reviewing existing contracts and permits.
• Exposure to the updated penalty regime in the event of non-compliance, with specific penalty amounts to be consulted in the full legal text.

Business opportunities:

• Access to the promotion and incentive mechanisms the law establishes for those who adopt active and sustainable forest management.
• Greater legal certainty for forestry sector companies operating in Andalusia, with a clear and up-to-date regulatory framework.
• Potential to develop new technical services linked to forest planning, wildfire prevention and resource management.

Who is affected?

The law has a territorial scope limited to Andalusia, but within that region the range of those affected is broad:

• Private forest landowners with woodland in Andalusia, regardless of the size of the property.
• Public administrations that own public forests, including local councils with forest land.
• Forestry sector companies carrying out timber extraction, silvicultural works or forest services in Andalusia.
• Hunters and holders of hunting estates located on Andalusian forest land.
• Livestock farmers who use forest land for grazing their herds.
• Environmental services and forest technical consultancy firms that advise on or carry out works in the Andalusian forest sector.

Practical example

A private landowner with a mixed-use property — part forest, part agricultural — in the Andalusian highlands is affected by Ley 3/2026 on several fronts simultaneously:

• They must verify whether their property requires a forest management plan and, if so, commission one from a qualified technical expert before carrying out any timber extraction.
• They are required to maintain the firebreak strips the law mandates along the boundaries of their forest property, which involves periodic clearing and maintenance works.
• If they have leased out the hunting estate, they must check that the contract and hunting management comply with the new regulatory framework to avoid liability arising from the tenant's non-compliance.
• At the same time, they can explore the promotion incentives the law provides for landowners who adopt active management plans, which could translate into financial support or tax benefits through programmes developed by the Junta de Andalucía.

What should businesses do now?

1. Identify whether your land or activity falls within the scope of the law: Check whether you have properties with woodland, hunting estates, grazing arrangements or forestry contracts in Andalusia. The law entered into force on 13 March 2026.
2. Review existing forest management plans: If you already have a plan, check whether it aligns with the new framework. If you do not have one and the law requires it, begin the process of engaging a qualified forest technical expert.
3. Audit firebreak obligations: Assess the condition of the firebreak strips on your property boundaries and schedule the necessary maintenance works to comply with wildfire prevention requirements.
4. Review resource use contracts: If you have hunting, grazing or timber lease agreements, review them with a legal adviser to ensure they comply with the new regime and that responsibilities are clearly defined.
5. Explore promotion mechanisms: Contact the relevant department of the Junta de Andalucía to find out about the incentives available for active forest management under the law.
6. Consult the penalty regime: Identify which conduct is classified as an offence in the full legal text to avoid exposure to penalties.

Official source

View the full regulation at the official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-7559