Sheep and goats help prevent forest fires in Spain
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In Vilamòs, a town in the Pyrenees mountains of Spain’s Vall d’Aran, the local government uses a herd of sheep and goats to manage forest vegetation and reduce fire risk.
Endesa, an energy company, joined the Ovihuec.sost initiative, which combines traditional grazing with modern technology to protect the natural environment. Vilamòs, located at 1,255 meters above sea level, has a long history of livestock farming, and officials saw an opportunity to use this practice to control undergrowth.
The animals graze on different vegetation layers, sheep eat grass, while goats control shrubs and bushes, keeping spaces clear and preventing excessive buildup of flammable material. This approach supplements conventional forestry work like pruning and clearing, offering a natural and sustainable solution. Endesa already invests over 38 million euros annually in fire prevention, using tools like drones and thermal imaging, and will now analyze how the grazing fits into their existing forest management plans.
The project began with the town’s mayor, a pastor’s son, recognizing the need to manage the landscape as an ecosystem service. Vilamòs hopes to serve as a pilot program that can be copied in other mountain areas of Catalonia. Organizers expect the program to become self-sustaining by 2028, as it helps maintain over 53,000 kilometers of power lines that run through vegetated areas.
