The devastating fire that recently affected Las Hurdes (Cáceres), with more than 2,500 hectares destroyed, has once again raised an urgent question: how can we better protect our landscapes from fire?
One of the most solid answers lies in a model that has proven its effectiveness for centuries: the dehesa.
What can the dehesa teach us about protecting areas such as Las Hurdes?
The dehesa-montado, an agroforestry ecosystem characteristic of south-western Iberia, is not only a reservoir of biodiversity or a sustainable production system. It is also a key green infrastructure for the prevention of fires and other natural hazards.
– Clean pastures thanks to grazing
Livestock keeps low vegetation at bay and reduces flammable material.
– Open structure and scattered trees
The distribution of holm oaks and cork oaks hinders the spread of flames.
– Covered soil, deep roots
This prevents erosion, facilitates water infiltration and protects against flooding.
And what happened in Las Hurdes?
In regions such as Las Hurdes, where dense, inaccessible forest areas predominate, the lack of active management and the accumulation of plant fuel have been key factors in the rapid spread of fire.
Projects such as LIFE LANDSCAPE FIRE (2019–2022) demonstrated in this same area that practices such as guided grazing and prescribed burning are effective in reducing risk.
The solution? Managing the landscape, not just putting out fires
– Commit to mosaic landscapes where forest areas coexist with active agricultural and livestock areas, such as the dehesa.
– Invest in continuous prevention, not just in firefighting resources.
– Integrate ecological resilience into territorial policies.
The dehesa: an ally against climate change
With extreme events becoming increasingly frequent, the dehesa offers a model of integrated land management that protects the soil, water, biodiversity… and also people.
Initiatives such as SOS ProDehesa-Montado are working to strengthen its key role in adapting to climate change, demonstrating that conserving this ecosystem is an investment in safety and the future.