Eucalyptus Trees in Galicia: A Growing Wildfire Risk Amid Economic Gains

In Galicia, Spain, eucalyptus plantations have expanded rapidly, raising wildfire risk amid economic benefits for the timber industry. Local leaders express concern over the trees' flammability and the region's vulnerability to extreme fires, particularly following record-breaking wildfire years.

Eucalyptus Plantations and Their Expansion

Since the 1970s, eucalyptus has proliferated in Galicia, with the regional government projecting a growth to 250,000 hectares by 2030. However, by 2024, the area occupied by eucalyptus reached around 500,000 hectares, significantly exceeding initial plans. This rapid expansion has been linked to the trees' fast growth rate, taking only 15 years to mature compared to over 80 years for native species like oak and chestnut.

Locals have noted that eucalyptus plantations often outgrow their intended borders, contributing to a self-reinforcing cycle of increased wildfire risk. In extreme conditions, eucalyptus trees can intensify fires due to their highly flammable oils and bark, which can create burning embers that travel long distances.

Impact of Eucalyptus on Wildfire Intensity

According to Tim Curran from Lincoln University, eucalyptus forests are among the most flammable globally. While they may not be the initial cause of wildfires, their presence can dramatically increase fire intensity and frequency. For instance, during the devastating 2009 Black Saturday fires in Australia, embers from eucalyptus were reported to travel over 30 kilometers ahead of the fire front, igniting new fires.

• Eucalyptus plantations cover 22 million hectares globally.
• Regions affected by eucalyptus include Brazil, Chile, California, India, and South Africa.
• Galicia's eucalyptus plantations generated €167 million in 2024.

Community Responses and Government Actions

In response to the increasing risk of wildfires, local communities in Galicia have formed volunteer groups like the De-Eucalyptus Brigades, which has grown from 50 to 1500 members. Their goal is to raise awareness about the dangers of eucalyptus and actively remove them from community-owned lands.

Despite the regional government's moratorium on new eucalyptus plantations, enforcement remains inconsistent. Luisa Piñeiro, the director general of forest management, acknowledged past failures in controlling eucalyptus expansion and emphasized the need for improved forest management rather than outright bans. “We believe forests should have the species diversity they're meant to have,” she stated.