In recent years, concern has grown in Sanabria (province of Zamora) over the risk of wildfires, which are increasingly threatening homes. The cause is abandoned fields and pastures that have turned into dense brush, raising the danger for residents. This problem sparked the launch of a new project that could change the approach to rural land management and safety in the region.
Joining forces for safety
In three municipalities—Galende, Requejo, and Robleda-Cervantes—local authorities decided to act together. They proposed that residents, many of whom own small plots, transfer their land into joint management. The goal is to create protective zones around villages to stop the spread of fire while also using timber and pasture for the local economy. According to El Pais, the Forgarero project was launched in 2023 with support from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and has already brought together 210 owners, who have contributed 260 hectares of land.
However, the process has not been easy. Local residents are traditionally reluctant to take collective decisions, and inheritance disputes and fragmented plots slow down progress. Nevertheless, authorities are confident that only joint action can reduce fire risks and restore the economic value of forests. They are developing new rules to allow intervention on abandoned land and bill owners for cleanup, though legal challenges remain.
Overcoming mistrust
Local leaders and active residents play a key role in advancing the initiative. The younger generation, which here includes even those over 50, is generally more open to change, while older residents approach the project with caution. In the village of Vigo de Sanabria, consultant David Pedrero notes that people lack a simple and clear explanation of the project’s purpose. He tries to convey to his neighbors that collective management does not mean losing control over their land—on the contrary, it brings benefits and greater security.
In Robleda, farmers recall the days when fields were open, but now the forest lies right up against their homes. One local resident, Manuel Ramos, stresses that if plots are not used, they become a danger for everyone. Many people hold on to inherited land but do not use it, which only makes the situation worse. According to El Pais, if some landowners do not join the project, certain plots will remain overgrown and could become a weak spot during a fire.
Economy and new opportunities
The Forgarero project not only reduces the risk of wildfires but also opens up new economic opportunities for the region. Using timber resources and restoring pastures can provide residents with additional income and revive traditional activities. Authorities hope that positive experiences from neighbors will encourage others to join, and that seeing concrete results will become the best motivation for skeptics.
At the same time, if the project gains broad support, it could become a model for other regions of Spain facing similar issues with abandoned land and wildfire risk. As El Pais notes, success hinges on trust among residents and their willingness to embrace change, as well as on the ability of local authorities to find compromises and clearly explain the benefits of collective land management.
In recent years, Spain has seen an increase in major wildfires, especially in sparsely populated rural areas. This is often due to land abandonment and a lack of forest maintenance. Some regions are already implementing similar collective management initiatives and creating protective zones around communities. These measures not only help reduce the risk of disasters but also revitalize local economies by restoring traditional rural activities. The experience in Sanabria may serve as an example for other areas where abandoned land is a particularly acute problem.
