Land ownership structure and implementation costs of fuel management strips and mosaics: a study of 11 municipalities in Central and Northern Portugal

Abstract

Fuel management strips and mosaics (FGC) are areas defined in the Sub-Regional and Municipal Programmes of the Integrated Rural Fire Management System (SGIFR) where fuel management is scheduled as part of wildfire prevention and suppression strategies. Despite its importance, the implementation of this measure faces several poorly understood and discussed constraints, such as the extent of FGC, the resources required for their execution, the small size of rural properties, and the lack of knowledge about their ownership. This study analysed these aspects in 11 municipalities with high rural fire hazard in the Central and Northern regions of Portugal. Land ownership structure and the progress of the rural cadastre were analysed using information provided by the Balcão Único do Prédio (BUPi). On average, FGC cover 4,845 ha (±3,058 ha) per municipality. Private landowners are responsible for managing more than half of the total FGC area. By the end of 2024, BUPi covered approximately one third of the different types of FGC. Smallholdings dominate within FGC areas, with greater land fragmentation around populated settlements. A conservative estimate indicates an average cost of 1.09 (±0.92) million € and 8,970 (±7,535) workdays per municipality to carry out fuel management operations once within FGC. The results of this study highlight the complexity and challenges of implementing this measure, emphasizing the need for greater rationalisation of management practices and the adoption of more sustainable strategies that take into account the land ownership and socio-economic context of these areas.