WWF launches new model for restoring Spain’s rural areas to reduce wildfire risks and help the recovery

In Spain, a NEW model has been launched to rejuvenate forests and prevent fires by better caring for local landscapes.

WWF’s Rural Labscape initiative restores abandoned spaces in Vall de Almonacid. The aim is to create resilient, Mediterranean-friendly spaces.

Wildfires across Spain have ‘profoundly transformed’ the landscape – areas once filled with long grass, healthy olive groves and tall trees are now dominated by ‘dense and homogenous forest masses that reduce biodiversity and increase future fire risks’, says Diana Colomina, who heads the forest programme at WWF Espana.

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The rural areas of the world have been neglected for a long time, resulting in a decline of wildlife, plant species, and cultural and natural heritage.

Vall de Almonacid was an abandoned area in Castellon, a province in Valencia. It was once a vibrant outdoor space but had now become a danger to residents and wildlife. Rural Labscape came to the rescue.

The initiative, which combines citizen participation, new economic opportunities, and ecological restoration to support Mediterranean regions facing crop abandonment and fire risks, as well as the decline in traditional land use, aims at supporting these territories.

Crucially, the project looks at the wider landscape rather than isolated plots, because, as Colomina notes, ‘environmental, social and economic problems cannot be resolved by acting only in isolated areas’.

By restoring entire landscapes, you can create mosaics of blended colors that increase biodiversity and the natural fire resistance of a terrain. This integrated approach also ‘allows natural spaces to connect with agricultural areas’, reactivating traditional activities and creating new local opportunities.

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Vall de Almonacid, chosen because it is a prime example of vulnerable rural areas in the Mediterranean that are at risk from fires and degradation, has been transformed into a new location.

The area was cleared of debris, and the space has been restored to allow multiple species to thrive. Lavandin, lemon balm and stevia were among the plants introduced – all hardy, low-water species well suited to Mediterranean climates and compatible with local biodiversity.

The design of a botanical garden in collaboration with the Escuela Taller de Jardineria, a local school, has completely transformed a section of the landscape. These high-value plants are expected to generate new bioeconomic opportunities.

The garden shows not only how a vibrant rural landscape can boost local economies, but also how Rural Labscape actively engages the community.

Colomina said to Olive Press that the local community was at the center of the project, and they were present throughout. She praised residents who had contributed ideas and done hands-on work.

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While participation is already strong, the team stresses that ‘the transformation of the landscape will only be sustainable if it also transforms the way people relate to it’.

A ‘very large educational programme’ now connects the Living Lab with students from universities and schools. Over 500 students took part in the project, which helped to create a link between young people and the environment.

The team itself is diverse – 40% of the 38 participants are women. Applicants were selected through ‘a social media process’, with an interdisciplinary team ensuring ‘the lab represents all voices linked to the theme in the municipality’.

Local authorities have contributed to the project through the provision of space for the lab, and participation in the decision-making process. They are helping to build a model which can be replicated throughout the Mediterranean.

WWF helped Vall de Almonacid to recover its ecological structure by implementing this project. This has made it more resilient against climate change.

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A Banco de Tierras Anyone interested in cultivating abandoned land or restoring it can now access a landbank. It allows people to be directed in the right direction to be of most assistance. 

Colomina stresses that ‘any person can get involved’, whether through volunteering or proposing new initiatives in the collaborative space.

Find out more or get involved here.

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