Tenerife Shifts Forest Management Strategy to Proactive Fire Prevention
Tenerife’s Island Council is transitioning its Forest Brigades to a proactive, year-round strategy focused on preventive forestry and biomass management to mitigate wildfire risks and enhance ecosystem resilience.
Tenerife is changing how it manages its island ecosystems, moving from a reactive approach to a proactive one. According to the Island Council (Cabildo), the Ministry of Natural Environment is shifting the focus of the Forest Brigades (Brifor) from simply responding to disasters to year-round technical planning.
At the heart of this new strategy is preventive forestry. Rather than being an afterthought, this work is now the foundation for protecting Tenerife’s natural landscape. The brigades are currently clearing brush and managing biomass in high-risk areas, specifically focusing on humid pine forests and young monteverde woodlands. The goal is twofold: to remove dry plant material and highly flammable species like heather, while encouraging the growth of fire-resistant trees like laurel and faya, which act as natural firebreaks.
Cabildo President Rosa Dávila highlighted that while this work is often invisible, it is vital. The administration believes that the forest’s ability to withstand climate change depends on this constant maintenance. Councilor Blanca Pérez added that these efforts are not just about safety; they are part of a broader commitment to conserving biodiversity.
Beyond reducing fire risk, these actions have a tactical purpose: creating clear perimeters that allow emergency teams to move safely and effectively if a fire breaks out. By reducing fuel loads, the Cabildo aims to lower the intensity of potential fires and ensure the terrain is accessible for crews, making prevention a core part of modern forest management in the face of today’s environmental challenges.