The 2025 megaincendios in the Iberian Peninsula highlighted the risks of replacing native heathlands with monoculture plantations.
Large-scale plantations of maritime pine have significantly increased fire risk and reduced overall regional biodiversity.
Post-fire, these artificial pine forests often spread invasively, preventing the natural recovery of native ecosystem structures.
Experts advocate for a shift toward 'pirodiversidad,' recognizing native shrublands as essential, healthy ecosystems rather than degraded land.