Environmental Protection Initiatives
Fire safety measures have begun to be implemented in the Sierra de Collserola Natural Park, with the aim of safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring the safety of local communities. This initiative, which, according to the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, is the most ambitious so far in this region, covers an area of 256 hectares that extends through four municipalities.
A call to action
The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, Òscar Ordeig, has expressed concern about the current situation of forest management in Catalonia, noting that the territory is being affected by inadequate management and years of drought. Ordeig emphasized the need for significant changes in forestry policies, committing themselves to increasing public resources for the protection of forests, warning that ‘we are playing with fire’ in reference to the risks facing the region.
Details of prevention operations
Preventive actions began in April 2024, taking into account the preservation of protected species during the nesting period. The operations will be extended for a year, with the aim of cleaning 204 hectares before the summer, with a total budget of 730,542 euros.
Fire history in the region
Recently, the actions have focused on the area of La Floresta, in Sant Cugat del Vallès, where the selection and felling work are carried out, as well as the reduction of the shrub vegetation. This area witnessed one of the most devastating fires in Collserola’s history in 1994, which devastated about 150 hectares, coinciding with other fires in nearby regions such as Montseny and Badalona.
Progress in forest management
To date, work has already been done in 172 hectares in different locations, including Tibidabo, Vallvidrera, Roques Blanques, Puig Madrona and Les Planes. Currently, in addition to La Floresta, operations are being carried out in the Sierra de Can Julià, in Molins de Rei.
Fire management strategies
The Department of Agriculture emphasized the importance of developing strategic management points that will mitigate the effects of wildfires. The actions aim to modify the dynamics of fires and limit their spread. In addition, six water extinguishing water points are being replaced, with plans to build four additional points and replace two more, with a total investment of 485,000 euros.
