In Catalonia, Spain, an unusual but effective project is helping to reduce the risk of wildfires. Around 300 goats, in shades of black, brown, and dappled, roam from town to town as part of a government-supported pilot program. As they move, they feed on dry shrubs, thistles, and even thorny cacti. This grazing naturally clears combustible vegetation that might otherwise fuel fires. The initiative is especially important as the region suffers from its worst drought in a century and faces increasingly dangerous summers due to climate change.
The goats are managed by local shepherds, such as Francesc Kashido, who turned his hobby into a profession. Hired by the Mataró City Council, he and others direct their herds to graze in targeted areas, creating 25-meter firebreaks around residential neighborhoods. By reducing biomass, the goats lower fire hazards and help protect communities.
The program has been financially supported by municipalities and by cheesemakers who value milk from these roaming herds. Most of the income is reinvested in equipment to improve the work. According to local agricultural counselor Jose Antonio Reixes, the project has been successful and is expected to continue. It demonstrates how traditional farming practices, combined with modern fire-prevention strategies, can create sustainable environmental solutions.
Vocabulary:
• dappled (adj.): marked with spots or patches of color.
• mitigate (verb): to make something less severe or harmful.
• ravage (verb): to cause great damage or destruction.
• outbreak (noun): a sudden start of something negative, like a disease or a fire.
• voracious (adj.): having a very eager and large appetite.
• combustible (adj.): able to catch fire and burn easily.
• biomass (noun): the total amount of plant or animal material in an area.
• municipality (noun): a town or district with its own local government.
• counselor (noun): an official who gives advice or manages a specific area of government.
Source: Reuters