Recently, the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda of Catalonia announced a crucial initiative aimed at boosting the modernization of Forest Defense Groups (ADF) in the region. Through Order ACC/33/2024, new regulatory bases have been approved for the acquisition and replacement of prevention equipment and vehicles, with the objective of improving prevention and first-intervention capabilities in forest fires.

Key Grant Categories:

  1. Subsidy for the decommissioning of Pegaso 3046/10 model trucks:
    – Support will be provided for the withdrawal of Pegaso 3046/10 trucks from circulation, with the aim of renewing the vehicle fleet.
  2. Subsidy for the acquisition of equipment for ADFs established between 2010 and 2023:
    – Forest defense groups formed during this period may apply for aid for the acquisition of essential equipment.
  3. Subsidy for the acquisition of vehicles, trailers, tankers, and equipment for ADFs without vehicles and/or tankers:
    – ADFs without vehicles or tankers can benefit from subsidies for the acquisition of vehicles, tankers, and necessary equipment.
  4. Subsidy for the replacement of vehicles registered up to December 31, 2005:
    – The renewal of vehicles registered up to 2005 is encouraged through this grant line.
  5. Subsidy for the renewal or replacement of tankers with a capacity of more than 2,000 liters:
    – ADFs may request support for the modernization of tankers with a capacity exceeding 2,000 liters.
  6. Subsidy for the replacement of tankers with associated fire-extinguishing equipment (kits) from 400 liters of water capacity:
    – The improvement of fire-extinguishing equipment is encouraged through subsidies for the replacement of tankers.

These measures are part of a continuous effort to strengthen the capabilities of ADFs in the prevention and fighting of forest fires. The collaboration between the Department of Climate Action and the ADFs of Catalonia spans more than 30 years, and this latest initiative highlights the commitment to the safety and protection of the region’s forests. The call for these subsidies is now open, and ADFs are invited to submit their applications to contribute to this important preservation task.