Barcelona's Agricultural Restoration: A Natural Barrier Against Urban Fires
A recent study by the Ecological and Forest Applications Research Center (CREAF) highlights a proactive approach to fire prevention in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona. According to the research, restoring 17,000 hectares of abandoned agricultural land could provide a protective perimeter against severe urban fires, similar to those that have recently plagued Los Angeles.
The proposed agricultural belt, consisting of pastures and fields, could potentially reduce fire connectivity by 30%, thereby preventing flames from reaching residential areas in the region. This protective strategy aims to revive agricultural landscapes that have remained untouched since the 1950s and utilize emerging spaces within drought-affected forests.
Experts emphasize that the devastating wildfire situation in Los Angeles exemplifies a dangerous combination of factors: severe drought conditions, high wind speeds, and a lack of open areas within the forest. This scenario underscores a growing concern not just in California, but also in other regions of Spain, particularly Catalonia.
Rodrigo Balaguer-Romano, a researcher at CREAF, underlined the importance of cultivating areas near urban centers, as these landscapes are key in breaking fire connectivity. "The cultivated areas near urban cores are the ones that best disrupt the path of fire and serve as a protective belt for the city," he stated.
The study advocates for the creation of open spaces interspersed with crops, an essential measure for preventing wildfires from advancing from forests to residential areas. Balaguer-Romano reiterated this perspective, affirming that such cultivated landscapes play a crucial role in safeguarding urban settlements.
In addition to fire prevention, this endeavor would also enhance biodiversity associated with Mediterranean agricultural landscapes. The revival of these areas is expected to benefit various species, including birds like the great bustard and essential pollinators such as bees and butterflies, according to researcher Josep María Espelta.
As urban areas around the world grapple with increasing wildfire threats, Barcelona's innovative approach of using agricultural restoration to create fire-resistant landscapes could serve as a model for other cities facing similar risks.
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