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The Influence of Forest Fires on Ecological, Economic, and Social Trends in Landscape Dynamics in Portugal

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  • Vasco Lopes

    (Doctoral Programme in History, Geography, and Art History, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
    School of Technology, Polytechnic University of Tomar, 2300-313 Tomar, Portugal
    Geosciences Research Centre, Coimbra University, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
    Department of Geography, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Luis Carreira dos Santos

    (School of Technology, Polytechnic University of Tomar, 2300-313 Tomar, Portugal
    Geosciences Research Centre, Coimbra University, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
    Departmental Unit of Archaeology, Conservation Restoration and Heritage, 2300-313 Tomar, Portugal)

  • Juan-M. Trillo-Santamaría

    (Department of Geography, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

Abstract

The Portuguese forest plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and fostering socio-economic sustainability within rural areas. Nonetheless, it is currently facing significant challenges due to the increasing intensity and frequency of forest fires observed in recent decades. The deterioration of traditional agricultural practices, the proliferation of monocultures, and alterations in land use patterns have significantly exacerbated these challenges. Consequently, the landscape has undergone considerable transformations, resulting in a decline in biodiversity and a weakening of local economies. This study examines land use in mainland Portugal from 1995 to 2018, utilising data on land occupation, land cover, and burnt areas from the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests. The cartographic analysis of three periods—1995, 2007, and 2018—along with the fire data recorded between 1996 and 2018, enabled the observation of changes in the predominant land use and land cover (LULC) classes, particularly among forests, scrubland, and agricultural areas. The results highlight a significant increase in forested areas, especially eucalyptus, as well as urbanisation, while scrubland and agricultural areas have decreased. Using specific LULC level 4, and burnt (BA) and unburnt (NB) areas, temporary crops decreased substantially (−14% NB/−4% BA 1995–2007; −23% NB by 2018). Eucalyptus showed strong continuous growth (16% NB/35% BA 1995–2007; 23% NB/47% BA 2007–2018). Maritime pine suffered severe losses, especially in burnt areas (−42%/−28%). Cork oak remained stable (1–4% growth). Other oaks showed minimal changes. Bushes (scrubland) declined sharply post-2007 (−31% BA/−6% NB). The most significant transformation occurred between 1995 and 2007, particularly in the south of Portugal, where wildfires promoted the replacement of maritime pine with eucalyptus, a species that offers greater profitability, leading to agricultural abandonment in burned areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Vasco Lopes & Luis Carreira dos Santos & Juan-M. Trillo-Santamaría, 2025. "The Influence of Forest Fires on Ecological, Economic, and Social Trends in Landscape Dynamics in Portugal," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:6:p:1273-:d:1678415
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. André Alves & Filipe Marcelino & Eduardo Gomes & Jorge Rocha & Mário Caetano, 2022. "Spatiotemporal Land-Use Dynamics in Continental Portugal 1995–2018," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-29, November.
    2. Santé, Inés & Tubío, José María & Miranda, David, 2020. "Public participation in defining landscape planning scenarios and landscape quality objectives (LQO): Landscape Guidelines for Galicia (NW Spain) case study," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    3. Van Butsic & Maggi Kelly & Max A. Moritz, 2015. "Land Use and Wildfire: A Review of Local Interactions and Teleconnections," Land, MDPI, vol. 4(1), pages 1-17, February.
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