On Friday, June 13, in the town of Los Guájares, we held a roundtable. This gathering wasn’t a formal event or a technical talk — it was, above all, an invitation to listen to one another: to those who inhabit and care for the Sierra de los Guájares in different ways.
Our goal was simple: to create a space for dialogue with the people who live in this territory, whether they’ve been here all their lives or arrived from elsewhere to become part of this rural community. We wanted to share what we are doing as Semillista, but more importantly, we wanted to listen: to hear how they live the mountains, how they experienced the fire, what they hope for now, and what stories they carry from this land.
In attendance were three elderly locals — deeply rooted in the mountains history — two young farmers, and six people from other parts of Spain or abroad, often referred to here as “forasteros.” Despite their different backgrounds, what unites them is a shared commitment to rural life, the environment, and social connection.
For more than two hours, we exchanged memories, worries, and reflections. We talked about the absence of institutional support, the changing landscape, and the loss of traditional livelihoods like shepherding. We listened closely to the stories that give this place its meaning — the kind of stories that aren’t written down anywhere, but live in the memories of those who have walked this land.
One of the most moving moments came when an elderly neighbor, over 80 years old, who had spent much of his life as a shepherd in this very mountains — now scarred by fire — shared his memories. His words, full of detail and affection for the land, gave us a deep and necessary perspective on who we were, who we are, and who we might become again.
For all of us at Semillista, this gathering was deeply enriching. It helped us better understand the place we’re working in, what drives its people, and reminded us why we are here: to build relationships, restore landscapes, and create community through care and attentive listening.
We don’t want this roundtable to be a one-off event. Our intention is to hold these kinds of gatherings every year, to continue listening to the land and its people, to share our work, and to be transformed by the stories of those who have spent a lifetime in the Sierra.
