"Forests need to be made more resilient against extreme events"

What’s the current situation of forests in the Balearic Islands and how are they affected by climate change?

Forests cover about half of the territory: around 225,000 hectares. This has increased since the 1970s due to rural depopulation and the decline of forest use. This means that today we have more fuel and denser masses. With increasingly intense and prolonged heat waves, vegetation suffers significant water stress, which weakens trees and makes them more vulnerable to pests, disease and more violent fires. On top of that, extreme events such as wind and snow storms are more frequent and affect thousands of trees.

Is urgent action needed?

Yes. There are clear symptoms of deterioration: defoliated trees, increased mortality, masses affected by disease or processionary caterpillars, burnt areas where it is difficult for regeneration... If we are to prevent desertification processes, urgent intervention is needed.

What did the ITS-funded forest adaptation project consist of?

The aim was to protect the public forest, which represents about 11% of the total forest area. Action was taken on nine farms, with 55 hectares treated. Although it may not seem like much, protecting these 55 hectares means protecting hundreds of hectares all around. It included assisted natural regeneration, resprouting cuttings, thinning, pruning and preventive treatments against fires, such as fire prevention strips.

Where did these actions take place?

Mainly in S'Albufera des Grau, Son Real, S'Arboçar, Cúber, Canons (Artà), Planícia (Banyalbufar), the Comuna de Muro and in the Llevant Natural Park. In Son Real, 13.4 hectares were treated; in S'Arboçar, 15.2; and in Cúber, 10.8.

What indicators are used to assess how prepared a forest is against climate change?

There are several: tree mortality per hectare, lack of natural regeneration, low fertile seed, defoliation or loss of crown density, damage by pests and disease, burnt area or storm-affected area. There are also European standards for sustainable forest management, such as the analysis of pollutants in the air or the monitoring of defoliation levels. In areas of Mallorca where regeneration fails, goats are often an influence.

Are there any particularly sensitive areas?

Yes. Communities that live in extreme conditions, such as the high altitudes of the Serra de Tramuntana, are at greater risk if these conditions worsen. Also, riverside forests, which depend on highly specific temperatures and humidity levels, suffer greatly from droughts and heat waves.

What techniques are used to improve forest resilience?

We reduce forest density to reduce competition for water; repopulate with species less vulnerable to water stress, such as wild olive trees; encourage natural regeneration by seeding to maintain genetic diversity; create agroforestry mosaics that are more resistant to disturbances; and promote mixed forests, because having several species makes it more likely that one will resist. The use of biomass for renewable energy boilers is also being promoted.

What are the benefits of these actions?

Sustainable forest management ensures the conservation of forest cover and forest habitats, makes native species more resilient, and limits the spread of pests. Agroforestry mosaics make landscapes more resistant to fire, while also providing shelter and food for more species, such as pollinators.

Do these actions take into account protected plant and animal species?

Yes, absolutely. Sustainable forest management includes protection plans for both plant and animal species, so that actions do not interfere with their habitats.

How do these techniques help prevent forest fires?

They reduce the fuel load and slow the spread of fire. If there’s a fire, it makes it less violent. Defence strips, strategic management points and low-density zones create safe areas for extinguishing teams to work in.

What are the effects of extreme events such as strong wind or snowfall?

Mass tree falls. This increases the risk of fires and the risk of pests. It’s a recurring problem and has already happened in Menorca, Ibiza and Mallorca.

Are these actions linked to European or national plans?

Yes. They all fall within the framework of the Balearic Forestry Plan, the General Fire Defence Plan and the European forestry strategy.

What are the next targets?

To further integrate climate change adaptation into forest planning; strengthen the resilience of forests to extreme events; ensure natural regeneration; promote the bioeconomy and the use of biomass as renewable energy; expand environmental education programmes; and promote research and continuous monitoring to fine-tune forest policy.