Experimental adaptation of habitats in the Balearic Islands to climate change

What does it consist of?

The aim of the project is to minimise the negative impacts caused by climate change by introducing experimental modifications in the forests of the Balearic Islands. This will improve their ability to withstand torrential rain, drought and heat waves, and to prevent forest fires.

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Data

LOCATION
Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Govern de les Illes Balears
Awarded entity
Conselleria d'Agricultura Pesca i Medi Natural
Total project amount
1.300.000 €
ITS granted amount
1.300.000 €
Executed amount
272.836 €
Call year
2023
Planned execution
2023 - 2024
Execution status
Started
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 20.99%
Last data request
07.05.2025

The project

Climate change is no longer a theoretical concept, it is a reality. One of the most widely acknowledged effects is the increase in global temperatures, which will change rainfall patterns and increase the occurrence of

extreme events such as drought, heat waves and torrential rains.

Mediterranean islands are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially forest fires and pests. This may lead to a reduction in the extent of island forests, the growth of more fire-prone vegetation and a reduction in the capacity to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, as forests are consumers of this greenhouse gas.

This project will involve the introduction of various experimental adaptations to the forests of the Balearic Islands aimed at making them more resistant to these changes and reducing the

negative effects of climate change. This restructuring will consist of:

1- Experimentation with different tree densities and an assessment of the most suitable for each habitat type, with the aim of reducing competition for resources between trees.

2- Measuring and establishing the carbon sequestration capacity after forestry work has been carried out, and calculating how much is incorporated into the soil through the shredding of plant debris.

3- Reducing the density of bushes and shrubs to reduce fire risk.

4- Encouraging regeneration by seed in order to maintain genetic diversity, which will increase resistance and resilience to drought, fire and pests.

5- Encouraging natural pastureland with extensive livestock farming, which will make it possible to prevent fires as well as encourage new species.

These actions will help to mitigate the effects of climate change, better control its effects,

reduce fire suppression costs and avoid the economic and environmental cost of post-fire habitat restoration.