Costa Blanca towns receive funding to protect forests from fires and climate change

Thirteen towns across Alicante province will receive funding to improve their forests, encourage biodiversity and make woodland better able to cope with climate change and forest fires.

For Costa Blanca South, the beneficiaries include Cox, Crevillent and Santa Pola, while nearby Novelda and Petrer are also included in the programme.

The money will be used for practical work designed to improve the health and condition of local woodland, while helping natural areas become more resilient to environmental pressures.

Healthier forests and greater biodiversity

Projects supported by the programme can include removing trees that have died because of pests or severe weather, managing competing vegetation and planting new species.

Some planting will be aimed at providing additional food for wildlife and increasing the variety of vegetation found within woodland areas.

Introducing a greater range of plants can help create richer habitats for local wildlife while improving the overall health and biodiversity of forests.

The programme is also intended to encourage stronger trees that are better adapted to their surroundings and help woodland regenerate naturally.

Rather than focusing solely on planting, the work will allow municipalities to manage existing forest areas and take action where trees and vegetation are struggling.

Preparing woodland for climate change

Another important aim is to make Alicante’s forests more resilient to the effects of climate change and less vulnerable to forest fires, particularly during the hotter and drier months.

Periods of extreme heat, drought and other severe weather can place additional pressure on woodland, while dead or unhealthy vegetation can contribute to the risk of fires.

Improving the condition of forests and encouraging healthy natural regeneration can therefore play an important role in protecting these areas for the future.

Environment and Energy deputy Magdalena Martinez said the funding would help municipalities maintain their forests in good condition while promoting natural regeneration and greater plant biodiversity.

Thirteen Alicante municipalities receive support

Alongside Cox, Crevillent, Santa Pola, Novelda and Petrer, funding will go to Alguena, Calp, El Poble Nou de Benitatxell, La Vila Joiosa, Mutxamel, Ondara, Sax and Teulada.

All 13 municipalities that applied to take part in this year’s funding programme will receive support.

The projects will allow councils to carry out practical improvements suited to their individual woodland areas, with the wider goal of creating healthier, more diverse forests that are better prepared for fires, changing weather conditions and the long-term effects of climate change.