WWF is promoting a project to prevent fires in devastated Spanish landscapes.

Wildfires have left an indelible mark on Spanish landscapes, especially following the devastating events of 2022 and 2023, during which thousands of hectares were consumed by flames. In particular, the tragedies in the Sierra de la Culebra and Tenerife still resonate in the collective memory, reminding us of the urgency for effective actions to address this issue. The situation has reached alarming levels, with 2022 marking one of the most catastrophic years in the forestry history of Spain, affecting over 300,000 hectares. In light of this scenario, WWF Spain has decided not to remain inactive and has presented a report aimed at charting a path towards less flammable and more resilient landscapes. To publicize their proposal, the NGO took a group of journalists to Yátova, a municipality in the interior of Valencia that was devastated by a fire in 2012, which consumed 90% of its territory. This trip serves to illustrate the need for a renewed approach to land management and environmental restoration. In this area, the large pine forests that used to characterize the landscape have been replaced by a desolate environment, where drought and rural abandonment have created a perfect breeding ground for future fires. WWF's pilot project focuses on creating biodiverse landscapes that combat the homogeneity of current vegetation. Instead of continuing to plant young pine trees, a mosaic approach is proposed that integrates crops, scrubland, and forests, promoting a diversity that acts as a natural barrier against fire. This shift aims not only to mitigate the spread of wildfires but also to revitalize the local ecosystem and encourage sustainable land use. An innovative aspect of the project is the inclusion of a herd of 40 goats, which play a crucial role in restoration. By grazing, these goats help clear the scrubland of combustible material, thereby reducing the risk of fires. Additionally, their presence contributes to the recovery of native plant species that are essential for soil stability and ecosystem restoration. This approach highlights the importance of extensive livestock farming, which has seen a notable decline in the region but is vital for sustainable land management. The conclusions of WWF's report are compelling: the abandonment of rural traditions, such as agriculture and livestock farming, has led to a landscape that is more susceptible to fires. Lourdes Hernández, a fire expert from the NGO, emphasizes that it is imperative to turn our attention back to the rural world and develop an integrated landscape management strategy. This involves restoring degraded spaces and leveraging nature as an ally in the fight against fire, which in turn will contribute to biodiversity conservation and rural development. Despite the efforts made in recent decades, the statistics remain concerning. Although the number of fires has decreased, their scale has increased. The occurrence of large wildfires, those affecting more than 500 hectares, has risen by 25% in the last decade. In this context, it becomes evident that extinguishing fires is not enough; a comprehensive prevention strategy is required that considers not only responses to fires but also their real and effective prevention. WWF holds that the key lies in ecological restoration. Creating more diverse and climate-resilient landscapes will not only protect ecosystems but also enable them to fulfill their natural functions and enhance the rural economy. The proposed measures go beyond isolated actions; it is necessary to establish a framework that combines large-scale planning with local initiatives, involving communities in the process. To achieve these goals, active participation from the local population becomes essential. The recovery of traditional uses and the maintenance of an agro-forestry landscape are fundamental for sustainable land management. In La Hoya de Buñol, where the scars of the fires are still visible, these principles are being implemented with the hope that they will serve as a model for other fire-affected regions. The challenge of wildfires in Spain is monumental, but the response must be equally bold. Restoring landscapes and implementing sustainable practices are crucial steps to mitigate the impact of fires and prepare communities for an uncertain future. The fight against wildfires cannot be limited to extinguishing them; it must be a continuous effort of restoration, education, and collaboration in which everyone, from organizations to citizens, plays an active role.