Tag: wildfires

The city of Salamanca, Spain, has been at the centre of the international debate on forest fires during the XI FuegoRED International Congress, held from 16 to 18 October 2024. This event brought together more than 600 experts from around the world, who addressed key issues to improve forest management and mitigate the impact of fires on ecosystems.

The congress, organised by the University of Salamanca, had an extensive agenda that included presentations, technical debates and field visits. Topics discussed ranged from the effects of fire on soil and vegetation to innovative forest management practices, risk prevention and nature-based solutions.

HoliSoils contribution: Cutting-edge research from the University of Barcelona

Among the highlights was the participation of Xavier Úbeda’s team from the Grup de Recerca Ambiental Mediterrània (GRAM) of the University of Barcelona, representing the HoliSoils project. The team featured two highly relevant presentations:

• Alfaro et al., (2024): Efectos de las quemas prescritas en ambientes mediterraneos: caso de estudio en el macizo de Montgri (Girona). This research delves into how controlled burning can be a key tool to reduce the risk of fire in Mediterranean areas, while promoting the regeneration of ecosystems.
  
• Ubeda, X et al., (2024): Efectos en el suelo de la secuencia incendio+ganado: el caso del incendio de Cap de Creus (Girona). This study analysed how controlled grazing after a fire can influence soil recovery, providing essential data for effective post-fire management in affected areas.

Both studies aroused great interest among the attendees, highlighting the importance of integrating science into decision-making for forest management and risk prevention.

A space for learning and collaboration

The XI FuegoRED International Congress was not only a meeting point for scientists, policymakers, and forest practitioners, but also for communities affected by fires, who shared their perspectives on the recovery of their territories. In addition, field visits allowed to observe practical examples of post-fire management and prevention strategies in high-risk areas. At the end of the event, the organisers highlighted the fundamental role of meetings such as this one in advancing the fight against forest fires.