Land Management in Mediterranean Flashcards
Why has risk of fire increased? (2)
Warming climate and the growing number of people who live near dense forest
How much has the rural population decreased in Spain by? (incl years)
In 1950, almost 50% lived in rural areas. Figure has fallen by more than 25%
Why can forest plantation increase fire risk?
Dense forested areas grown for profit and to protect soil increase fire risk when under dry conditions
What is the most common form of fire management in Mediterranean ecosystems?
Fire suppression- use of firefighting vehicles
How is fire suppression affecting fires?
There is a large accumulation of vegetation which increases the risk of future fires
How can large amounts of vegetation be reduced?
Prescribed burning
What is prescribed burning?
Deliberately burning vegetation to remove risk
Where is prescribed burning common?
In Southern Europe
What else can reduce the spread of fires?
Sustainable forestry
How can sustainable forestry reduce fire risk?
Developing more open areas by spacing trees further apart can impede the transmission of fire between trees
What can sustainable forestry practices also create?
Jobs in forestry and energy production
What act as firebreaks?
Truffles and vineyards act as green firebreaks
What are the benefits of fire?
It can promote biodiversity.
Some plants can complete their life cycles and others have adaptations, such as thick bark or capacity to reseed
