Forest Fire Prevention at Strategic Points in the Balearic Islands

Vegetation treatments to slow the spread of wildfires in critical areas

What does it consist of?

Reducing the risk of forest fires requires active, localised management. This project has focused on strategic points in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, seeking to reduce vegetation fire load in areas that are especially vulnerable to the spread of fire and reinforce key infrastructures for fire extinction.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Processing vegetable oil fuel at strategic management points to avoid the risk of forest fires
LOCATION
Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Govern de les Illes Balears
Entity that executes the project
Conselleria de Medi Ambient i Territori
Project code
ITS2019-139
Total project amount
456.630 €
ITS granted amount
456.630 €
Executed amount
446.123 €
Call year
2019
Execution status
Executed
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 97.7%
Last data request
10.11.2023

The project

The progressive build-up of vegetation and climate shifts have increased the threat of large forest fires in the Balearic Islands. For this reason, the Regional Ministry of the Environment and Territory launched a plan to take action at strategic management points (PEG), where high-risk factors are prevalent due to their location or the morphology of the terrain.

The work focused on modifying the structure of the forest landscape by means of firebreaks, auxiliary barriers, clearing of undergrowth and removing excess biomass. These treatments have taken place in key areas such as hills, ridges, valleys and areas with high fuel continuity, seeking to create breaks that slow the spread of fire.

The plan also included the maintenance of defence infrastructure such as water points and road access, as well as the use of alternative methods such as targeted grazing with native livestock breeds. These measures make it possible to maintain actions already carried out and ensure further protection on both an ecological and social level.

This plan contributes directly to prevention, but also reinforces the response capacity of firefighting teams in critical moments by backing preventive forest management that prioritises the safety and stability of the Balearic Islands.