Valle Jiménez Community Engages in Fire Prevention Efforts Through the Medianías Plan

In a proactive step towards enhancing fire safety, a recent meeting held at the AV Valle Jiménez community centre brought together local residents to discuss essential fire prevention strategies. This gathering served as a platform for educating the community about the risks associated with rural and interface fires, particularly in the context of the ongoing Medianías Plan.

Joint Efforts for Enhanced Fire Safety

The informative session was organized collaboratively by the Cabildo of Tenerife and the La Laguna Town Hall, reflecting a strong commitment to community safety. The focus was on implementing effective fire prevention measures tailored to the unique challenges faced by the Valle Jiménez area. This initiative is a vital component of the broader Medianías Plan, which aims to bolster safety in regions that are particularly vulnerable to fire outbreaks.

Among the attendees were key local officials, including Blanca Pérez, the area’s councillor, and fellow councillors Domingo Galván and Serio Eiroa. These leaders oversee various sectors such as Promotion, Local Development, Environment, Education, and Youth. They took the opportunity to present the critical actions outlined in the Medianías Plan, which is specifically designed to protect residents living in high-risk zones from the devastating effects of fires.

Innovative Strategies for Biodiversity and Fire Risk Mitigation

During the meeting, officials underscored the necessity of establishing a protective buffer to mitigate potential fire hazards. This strategy involves the systematic clearing of land, gardens, and neglected farms, which can serve as fuel for fires. Councillor Blanca Pérez emphasized the importance of maintaining these areas and educating residents about the associated fire risks and the protective measures they can implement in their homes.

Pérez articulated the community’s engagement with the Medianías Plan, stating, “In Valle Jiménez, we are providing residents with the opportunity to engage with the Medianías Plan, which includes revitalizing abandoned or semi-abandoned lands.” This initiative, spearheaded by President Rosa Dávila, not only aims to enhance the region’s resilience against fires but also promotes biodiversity, which is crucial for ecological health.

The plan also offers practical support to residents, including dedicated crews for cleaning critical areas surrounding homes and a service for shredding plant waste. Furthermore, residents are encouraged to participate actively by planting native flora, which plays a significant role in maintaining ecological balance and enhancing the area’s natural resilience.

Foundational Aspects of the Medianías Plan

The Medianías Plan is underpinned by a substantial budget of 3.6 million euros and is structured around three primary pillars designed to address various aspects of fire prevention and ecological restoration. The first pillar focuses on providing assistance to revitalize underutilized lands. This includes thorough evaluations of land conditions and offering comprehensive cleaning services at no cost, along with options for restoring these areas to productive use.

The second pillar is dedicated to enhancing biodiversity by planting fire-resistant native species that are not only beneficial for agriculture but also contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. This initiative encompasses the establishment of drinking stations for birds, the creation of shelters for bats to help control pest populations, and the installation of nest boxes for small raptors to manage rodent issues effectively.

Lastly, the plan introduces a Land Bank initiative aimed at recovering abandoned farmland through stewardship agreements. This innovative approach not only seeks to restore the land but also supports the local economy of surrounding towns and villages, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment.

Key points

• The Cabildo of Tenerife and La Laguna Town Hall held a meeting to discuss fire prevention in Valle Jiménez.
• The Medianías Plan aims to protect residents in high-risk areas from fires.
• Key actions include land clearance and planting native flora to enhance biodiversity.
• The plan has a budget of 3.6 million euros and focuses on revitalizing abandoned lands.
• Support services include cleaning crews and shredding of vegetative waste for residents.
• Efforts are made to create a protective buffer against potential fires in the community.
• Strategies also include establishing a Land Bank to recover abandoned farmland.