Fire Flocks
The Mediterranean basin is characterized by unmanaged forests that are increasingly vulnerable to wildfires. A few fires are responsible for a large burned area. These fires, aggravated by the effects of climate change, usually exceed the response capacity of the emergency services and pose a risk to society as a whole. The specialists point out that “suppression is the answer, but not the solution”, and that the latter involves the sustainable management of forests and landscapes. In this sense, herds are a tool for sustainable forest management.
Extensive livestock farming: A service to society
Extensive livestock farming is a traditional practice that brings important benefits to society such as landscape conservation and biodiversity, fire risk management, meat, dairy and wool production, economic dynamism and preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the rural world. However, the presence of herds is increasingly rare. This fact, among other impacts, leads to the increase of unmanaged forest masses, more prone to fires and their spread. From “Fire Flocks” we work to make it easier for shepherds to graze in strategic fire risk management areas and that the ecosystem services they provide are adequately remunerated.
Grazing in strategic management areas
The shepherds attached to “Fire Flocks” take their herds to graze in strategic areas defined by the GRAF (Firefighters of the Generalitat of Catalonia) among other agents. These are areas mapped and recognized by the Administration, where it is considered necessary to carry out sustainable forest management actions to change the structure of the vegetation. The long-term and sustainable maintenance of these areas contributes to reducing the potential of wildfires and providing spaces of opportunity where emergency services can establish control manoeuvres.
The “Ramats de Foc” label
The shepherds who contribute to the grazing of their herds to maintain strategic areas for fire management are recognized through the distinctive “Ramats de Foc” on their products. The label aims to make their work visible, valuing and differentiating their products, involving end consumers, and compensating for the effort and added value that their contribution entails.