At TMA and Espais Verds we continue to care for the environment with a new contract to carry out the project to maintain the perimeter prevention strips in the municipality of Castell-Platja d’Aro in 2025 and 2026. The objective is to reduce the risk of the spread of forest fires, as well as guarantee safe access for both firefighting equipment and maintenance machinery. This project represents an important step forward in our mission to protect natural environments and local communities through sustainable and effective solutions.
HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE ON THE COSTA BRAVA AND PROTECT NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS
To reduce the risk of fires, it is established by law that population centres, urbanisations, facilities and isolated buildings must ensure an external perimeter protection strip of 25 metres around. Interior plots and green areas must meet the same conditions as the strips. These types of regulations are essential to preserve the safety and integrity of our communities, especially in areas with such impressive natural beauty as the Costa Brava.
That is why at TMA we are proud to announce that we have been awarded a new contract for the maintenance of low-combustibility perimeter strips in Castell d’Aro, Platja d’Aro and S’Agaró.
The project covers the maintenance of low-combustibility perimeter strips, as well as intervention in interior plots and green areas, with the aim of minimising the risk of spreading forest fires and ensuring optimal access for fire-fighting equipment and maintenance machinery.
This project reinforces our commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the natural environment. Working in this unique environment gives us the opportunity to apply our experience in environmental management, implementing solutions that combine efficiency, innovation and respect for the natural environment, in order to improve the safety of people, homes and infrastructure.
The objectives of this project are:
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- To reduce the risk of a forest fire spreading inside inhabited areas.
- To reduce the risk of an urban forest fire spreading to the outside.
- To facilitate the access of fire-fighting equipment around the entire perimeter of the built-up area.
- To facilitate the access of machinery to execute the strip and for its subsequent maintenance.
- To reduce the density of trees and clear the undergrowth of undeveloped plots and green areas to reduce the risk of fire spreading inside the built-up area.
- To facilitate the access of fire-fighting equipment to undeveloped plots and green areas.
- To facilitate the access of machinery for the initial treatment of vegetation and its subsequent maintenance in green areas and undeveloped interior plots.
- To promote biodiversity and conserve low-flammability species, prioritising the ecological balance of the area.
With a focus on sustainability, we address this challenge by combining innovation, experience and respect for ecosystems.
INTEGRAL MANAGEMENT OF LOW-FUEL PERIMETER STRIPS
Scope of action: protection of the natural environment
The contract includes the management of various areas, such as urban green zones, interior plots and natural spaces of high environmental value. Each of these areas requires a tailored approach to maximise conservation and minimise impact.
In 2025, the project covers the following hectares:
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- Urbanizations and population centers: 56.13 hectares
- Perimeter strip: 31.57 hectares
- Inner plots: 30.88 hectares
- 45 green areas: 10.39 hectares
In 2026, the project will have the following magnitude:
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- Urbanizations and population centers: 63.89 hectares
- Perimeter strip: 48.68 hectares
- Inner plots: 46.46 hectares
- 30 green areas: 8.66 hectares
How to prevent forest fires and protect biodiversity
In order to achieve the objectives of this project, the following phases will be carried out:
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- Replanting
- Tree felling
- Lower pruning of trees that are not cut
- Dragging of cut trees and limbing
- Clearing and shredding of undergrowth
- Crushing of plant remains
The treatments carried out are grouped into 7 different treatments for the perimeter strip and the green areas and into 4 for the interior plots.
The actions include the design of service roads, strict criteria for the selection of trees, and advanced techniques for felling and treating plant remains. All of this is carried out following environmental and safety regulations, guaranteeing a positive impact on the environment and the community.
Among the highlighted tasks are:
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- Clearing undergrowth: Elimination of combustible material such as dry leaves and low branches and pruning and maintenance of trees and bushes.
- Creation of natural firebreaks: Control and clearing of paths to have strategic clear areas to stop the advance of possible fires.
- Selective pruning: Dry branches and trees in poor condition are removed to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
- Conservation of local biodiversity through sustainable practices.
- Management of plant waste in an ecological way.
- Conservation of low-flammability species, prioritizing the ecological balance of the area.
Criteria for tree conservation: nature and safety in balance
The management of vegetation in perimeter strips requires a strategic approach that prioritizes both the reduction of fire risk and the protection of the natural environment.
In this project, we apply rigorous criteria for the selection of trees, ensuring that each intervention promotes the safety and biodiversity of the area.
Our commitment is to ensure that these perimeter strips are an example of harmony between safety and sustainability. In relation to this, we prioritize the conservation of native species with low flammability, while eliminating those that increase the risk of fire spreading.
The criteria that we will follow are the following:
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- Conservation and ecological balance: We respect specimens of special interest and guarantee minimum distances between crowns, reducing horizontal continuity and, therefore, the risk of fire.
- Selection by flammability: Species with high contents of essential oils or volatile compounds are removed, while we favor trees with higher water content and dense wood, ideal for preventing spread.
- Selection by specific characteristics: In trees of the same species, we prioritize those with the largest size, diameter and good health.
- Sustainable waste management: Plant remains are shredded or handled in an ecological way, avoiding unnecessary burning and contributing to the natural cycle of the ecosystem.
- We prioritize the conservation of native species with low flammability, while eliminating those that increase the risk of spreading fires.
- Exotic species should not be cut down.
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At TMA and Espais Verds, we understand that every tree counts. Therefore, each action is carried out with deep respect for the ecosystem, balancing fire protection with the conservation of key species.
SPECIALIZED MACHINERY TO REDUCE THE PROBABILITY OF FIRES
At TMA and Espais Verds, each tool and procedure is meticulously selected to adapt to the needs of the terrain, preserve biodiversity and minimize environmental impact.
Our work philosophy integrates advanced technology with a deep respect for the environment. Thanks to specialized machinery and a highly trained team, we ensure a balance between operational efficiency and environmental conservation in all phases:
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- Layout and delimitation: We use specialized tools such as marking tape and paint to mark trees and intervention limits, ensuring precision and clarity.
- Opening service roads: Heavy machinery such as bulldozers and backhoes allow the creation of accesses that facilitate the safe transit of equipment and vehicles.
- Tree cutting and handling: With state-of-the-art chainsaws and hand tools, we guarantee safe and efficient felling. The wood remains are processed with skidders or self-loaders, minimizing the impact on the environment.
- Undergrowth treatment: Motorised brushcutters and specialised tractors remove combustible material whilst preserving key biodiversity species.
To carry out this project we have implemented a careful selection of machinery and methods that guarantee efficiency, precision and minimal environmental impact. From staking out to removing plant debris, each phase is designed to maximise results whilst conserving local biodiversity.
SAFETY AND HEALTH PLAN FOR FIRE PREVENTION
In this project, we apply rigorous criteria, ensuring that each intervention promotes safety in terms of fire risk and that all occupational safety regulations for operators are also complied with.
It is a priority that the staff working in these areas are properly advised and protected. To this end, a safety and health plan has been drawn up, thus ensuring compliance with all current regulations and guaranteeing a safe working environment.
Thanks to ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety management) certifications, we reinforce our commitment to sustainability and health protection. We have specialized coordinators who supervise risk prevention on site, guiding those responsible for the tasks on the safety measures to be adopted to guarantee a safe environment.
Through a rigorous prevention, training and supervision plan, we ensure that all our interventions are carried out under the safest and most responsible conditions.
A safety coordinator will be appointed who will be responsible for ensuring the correct application of safe work practices, the control of preventive measures and the limitation of access to authorized personnel.
At TMA, we ensure comprehensive management that guarantees quality, safety and sustainability standards in this project.
TMA AND THE PROTECTION OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS ON THE COSTA BRAVA
For TMA and Espais Verds, each project is an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to sustainability.
This award is a great opportunity to continue working with the vision of building a sustainable future for local communities and the environment. With this project in Castell-Platja d’Aro we mitigate the risk of forest fires and also promote biodiversity and reinforce the safety of inhabited areas.
Our sustainability philosophy is reflected in every action, from the responsible use of resources to the adoption of practices that balance environmental conservation with human needs. With all this, we actively contribute to fire prevention, a problem that, due to climate change, requires urgent and effective solutions.
Through this award, we reaffirm our position as a benchmark in the sector and consolidate our mission to promote responsible and sustainable practices to care for the environment.
MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Espais Verds del Vallès has more than 30 years of experience in the gardening sector and is a company firmly committed to caring for the environment.
We have a multidisciplinary team made up of experts in landscaping, engineering and arboriculture, backed by more than three decades of experience.
Our team combines experience, innovation and cutting-edge machinery to guarantee an efficient, environmentally friendly service adapted to the needs of each client.
At Espais Verds del Vallès, we offer complete solutions for the maintenance and transformation of natural spaces:
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- Landscaping and new construction: design and construction of parks, squares, green roofs and irrigation systems.
- Maintenance: care of gardens and green areas for institutions, companies and individuals.
- Arboriculture: pruning, transplants and special projects related to tree care.
- Environmental restoration: rehabilitation of natural areas and stabilization of land.
- Forestry work: clearing, clearing and creation of fire strips.
- Technical documentation: preparation of plans, reports and customised projects.
At Espais Verds and TMA we reaffirm our commitment to sustainability, innovation and excellence and develop projects that preserve natural environments, transform landscapes and leave a positive mark on communities and the environment.
We will continue working to protect our environment, making a difference through responsible and sustainable solutions.
We take care of our clients and we take care of the environment.
We are much more than comprehensive waste management.
Do you need efficient waste management or more information about the services we offer at TMA? Write to us at espaisverds@tma.es and we will be happy to provide you with a personalized proposal, fully adapted to your needs.
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