In recent years, the Val d’Aran in the north of the Lleida province has seen a rapid expansion of forests. This has been driven by the sharp decline in traditional livestock farming and the lack of systematic forest management. As a result, trees and shrubs have spread right up to the villages, and with rising temperatures due to climate change, this has led to a significant increase in the risk of wildfires.
Other regions in northern Spain are facing similar problems, with numerous large fires being recorded this summer. In response, the village of Vilamós, home to just over 180 residents at an altitude of 1,255 meters, launched the pilot project Ovihuec.dat. The initiative creates a municipal flock of sheep and goats, which, under the guidance of a shepherd, graze the forests surrounding the village to reduce the risk of fire, restore the traditional rural landscape, and promote biodiversity.
The idea for the project emerged in 2021 during a local festival, when the mayor of Vilamòs, Oriol Sala, and the Secretary of State for Demographic Affairs, Paco Boya, discussed the urgent need to control forest expansion. Sala expressed concerns that without livestock farming, wildfires could quickly reach homes, nearly half of which are permanently inhabited. Soon after, with support from local and national authorities as well as the IRTA research institute, the project secured €2.1 million in funding from the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition.
The allocated funds made it possible to clear the first 25 hectares using machinery and to purchase 130 animals—Aran and Ripollesa sheep, as well as Andalusian goats—all well adapted to the local climate and suitable for milk production. Within a year, the herd grew to 200 animals, with plans to increase it to 400 for more effective land management. In addition to municipal land, private owners joined the project by providing their plots for grazing. This summer, the herd is working on alpine pastures at an altitude of 2,000 meters.
To manage the herd, a competition was held, resulting in experienced farmer Joan being selected as the shepherd. He moved to Vilamòs with his family. Previously, he had been forced to abandon livestock farming due to bureaucratic hurdles, but with this new opportunity, he returned to his vocation.
Vielha is known not only for its picturesque views of Artiga de Lin and Aneto, but also as the oldest settlement in the valley, with rich traditions of sheep and cattle farming. In the past, locals maintained the meadows and fields, which prevented forest overgrowth. However, with the development of the Baqueira ski resort and the shift of the economy toward services, agriculture has declined, and the forests have begun to expand uncontrollably.
The Ovihuec.dat project is not limited to fire prevention. Here, modern technologies are being tested: animals are fitted with GPS collars and virtual fencing systems, allowing for remote monitoring of their movements and condition. In addition, there are plans to create a value-added chain for products derived from the herd and to scientifically document the positive impact of reviving extensive livestock farming.
At the end of the pilot phase later this year, organizers plan to prepare a guide for other communities facing similar challenges. The mayor of Vielha emphasizes that effective forest management is essential, and a return to traditional practices could be the key to preventing catastrophic fires in the future.
