This Friday, the Cabildo of Tenerife has established a collaboration with the leading agricultural and livestock organisations on the island to provide over 30,000 cubic metres of chopped timber or splinters derived from the material burned in the 2023 fire. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at fire prevention and support for the primary sector, as outlined in an official statement from the island corporation.
The timber, sourced from charred radiata pine logs, will be distributed at no cost to members of the associations who request it.
The aim of this initiative is to clear the mountains of combustible materials, which is viewed as a “crucial preventive” action against the threat of wildfires, whilst also providing farmers and livestock keepers with a resource to help reduce operational expenses on their land.
“We must undertake all necessary measures to ensure Tenerife does not experience another disaster like the 2023 fire, which consumed over 14,000 hectares of our land and jeopardised both our natural heritage and the welfare of our residents,” stated President Rosa Dávila.
The project is set to remain in effect until June 2025, with potential for extension, and will allow for the assigned quotas to be replenished once utilised.
The distributions will be governed by several stipulations, among which the non-commercial nature of the chopped material is particularly emphasised, and the organisation of the distribution will be handled by the professional groups themselves, who will oversee the individual and nominal distribution amongst their members.
“There is ample wood available for everyone, so there will be no issues with collection; however, it must remain non-commercial. The Cabildo is responsible for chopping the material and loading it, but it is up to the associates to collect it under previously set conditions,” remarked the Minister of the Natural Environment, Blanca Pérez.
This initiative is accessible to livestock and agricultural associations that express interest, permitting their members to access an established distribution of quantities that can be renewed continuously, as well as to town councils and residents with a “piece of land or livestock,” which often entails smaller amounts.
