Debunking myths: Importance of protected areas in forest fires

In the midst of an extreme wildfire risk forecast for the coming days, a report has emerged seeking to debunk myths and misinformation that cast doubt on the importance of protected areas in wildfire prevention. Under the title "Protected areas do not exacerbate forest fires," the aim is to clarify the situation and focus on real solutions to this environmental emergency. The report highlights that only 0.78% of the protected surface in Spain meets rigorous protection standards, while the remaining 99.2% allows compatible economic activities. This figure dispels the misconception that protected areas worsen forest fires by restricting land use, making it clear that most of these areas are suitable for agricultural, forestry, tourism, and livestock activities, among others. Likewise, the myth that forest fires mainly originate within protected areas is debunked. According to statistics, only 13.57% of wildfires affected protected natural areas between 2005 and 2017, demonstrating that the majority of fires start outside these areas. In the case of the Natura 2000 network, only 18.37% of fires started within these spaces, showing that most tragedies occur outside of them. It is important to note that 73% of Spanish municipalities have part of their territory within protected areas, meaning that forest fires commonly affect these spaces due to their proximity to fire-prone areas. However, this does not imply that protected areas are responsible for fire spread, but rather they act as key refuges for biodiversity conservation. Another myth that has circulated is the idea that people deliberately start forest fires as an act of rebellion against the protection of natural spaces. However, statistics show that only 0.16% of fires are motivated by opposition to protected areas, thus debunking this false belief. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the rugged topography of many protected areas, especially in mountainous regions, poses a greater challenge in firefighting, but this difficulty stems from geography and not from territory protection. It is crucial for fire prevention and extinguishing planning to align with the management of protected areas to ensure an effective response to disasters. Regarding permitted activities in protected areas, it is clarified that many of them are compatible with conservation objectives, as established in Natural Resource Management Plans and Use and Management Guidelines. Even in National Parks and the Natura 2000 network, actions promoting fire prevention, such as extensive livestock grazing, are encouraged. Given the importance of protecting biodiversity, the year 2024 is seen as a pivotal moment with the approval of the Nature Restoration Regulation and the upcoming summit of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Colombia. There is a historical opportunity to restore 20% of degraded land to reduce fire spread, and a call is made for sustainable forest management and recognition of the relevance of protected areas in combating the environmental emergency.