Preventing Fires at the Root: Clean-Up And Prevention in the Countryside

Farmers and forest managers work to reduce plant fuel

What does it consist of?

Between 2017 and 2019, financial support was offered to farmers and forest managers to clear and manage woodland areas with a high fire risk. The measure was part of a wider prevention strategy based on land ownership.

DOWNLOAD ITS PDF

Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Fire safety measures
LOCATION
Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Govern de les Illes Balears
Entity that executes the project
Conselleria d'Agricultura, Pesca i Alimentació
Project code
ITS2017-020
Total project amount
2.500.000 €
ITS granted amount
2.500.000 €
Executed amount
2.071.896 €
Call year
2017
Execution status
Executed
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 82.88%
Last data request
03.02.2023

The project

With more and more rural workers turning away from traditional practices in the Balearic countryside, the risk of forest fires has increased considerably. Reduced profitability has resulted in overgrown vegetation that acts as fuel during fires. Faced with this situation, the Balearic Government launched an aid scheme to promote active management in the countryside.

The plan, implemented between 2017 and 2019, focused on cleaning up woodlands and using the debris for other purposes, especially in areas prone to the spread of fire. The actions were carried out under the Fourth General Plan for Defence against Forest Fires in the Balearic Islands, and were coordinated through the Rural Development Programme. The energy potential of the extracted waste was also assessed, in line with sustainability standard.

Although the cost was around €2.5 million, the project's approach focused on prevention and land development: less fire means less future costs and less impact on biodiversity, soil and the water cycle. This work also improved the safety and maintenance of paths, recreational areas and traditional landscapes.

The initiative helped farmers and forest managers to restore their key role in ensuring ecological balance across the islands. It wasn’t just about removing plant fuel, but also encouraging a culture of co-responsibility among those who live in, work in and protect the rural environment.