How goats are helping prevent wildfires in Tenerife
A new grazing project brings traditional farming back to life to fight forest fires naturally
In a move that blends age-old farming wisdom with modern fire prevention strategies, Tenerife is turning to goats and sheep to help tackle one of its most pressing environmental threats - wildfires.The Island Council has launched a new six-month pilot scheme that will use livestock to clear dense undergrowth on abandoned plots and forest edges, particularly near residential and high-risk areas. The project, which involves an investment of €90,000, is designed to reduce the amount of flammable vegetation and lower the risk of wildfires spreading.
“The major forest fire of 2023 highlighted the serious neglect of agricultural plots near the mountains, creating high-risk situations for the population and infrastructure,” said Island President Rosa Dávila. This new grazing scheme forms part of the broader ‘Tenerife Medianías Plan for fire prevention and the improvement of natural and agricultural biodiversity’, a three-year programme launched in June 2024 with a total budget of €2.9 million.
Described by Dávila as “a strategy that transforms a traditional practice into a modern tool for land protection,” the project will be managed by the public company Gesplan. They will work with local livestock groups to identify suitable plots, with fieldwork expected to begin in the final quarter of this year once planning is complete.
As well as supporting fire prevention efforts, the project also aims to help restore rural ecosystems, boost biodiversity, and provide new feeding grounds for herds. A scientific study will assess how effective this kind of managed grazing is as a tool for long-term forest maintenance.
While Tenerife is turning to traditional grazing, other regions like Andalucía are using high-tech tools such as artificial intelligence and drones to detect and respond to wildfires before they spread. It’s a striking contrast that shows how both old and new methods are being used in the fight against increasingly intense fire seasons.
Tenerife’s approach reflects a wider global shift towards sustainable, nature-based solutions to land management. By combining local tradition, environmental stewardship and smart planning, the island could offer a model that other parts of Spain may soon follow.
Image: Soundarapandian MS/Pexels
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