Serious fires in Galicia and areas designated as part of the Natura 2000 network

13.8.2015

Question for written answer E-012084-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Josu Juaristi Abaunz (GUE/NGL)

Galicia has again been hit by wildfires this summer, with disastrous consequences that are having a serious impact on woodland and other natural resources. These recurring fires are causing severe and chronic damage to Galicia’s environment and biodiversity, and it is abundantly clear that the fire-prevention policies and management measures implemented by the Galician and Spanish governments have been failing year after year. Instead of carrying out short-, medium‐ and long-term preventive measures, these two governments are continuing to earmark the available resources for costly firefighting measures while diverting the media’s attention to focus on arsonists rather than looking at the wider context.

Galicia’s climate and vegetation produce large amounts of biomass in short cycles. This means that there is a high risk of fire, which is further heightened by the impact of climate change. Fires have raged in several protected areas belonging to the Natura 2000 network; 1 885.92 hectares have burnt since the start of the year, and 1 650 hectares spread across nine special protection areas have burnt so far in the month of August alone (while environmental organisations estimate that the area affected could be twice as large).

Will the Commission review Galicia’s approach to fire planning and management, making European funding conditional on an effective, realistic and urgent fire-prevention policy?