Valencia, Spain – On June 27th, MediXXI hosted Gemma García-Blanco and Carolina Cantergiani, both researchers from Tecnalia's Climate Change Adaptation team, as part of their ongoing work on the DesirMED project. The visit aimed to deepen collaboration and advance shared goals in fire prevention and climate resilience.
Exploring MediXXI Facilities and the WUIProtect® System
Tecnalia´s delegation had the opportunity to explore MediXXI's facilities in Carcaixent, focusing particularly on the WUIProtect® system Wildland Urban Interface Protection system. This innovative system is designed for Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, where urban development meets natural landscapes, making them vulnerable to forest fires. WUIProtect® system utilizes green firebreaks, created through prescribed irrigation, to actively defend these areas against fire threats.
A Tour Through Carcaixent
Ferrán Dalmau, Director of MediXXI, and Eva Samblás, led the Tecnalia delegation on an enlightening tour across the municipality of Carcaixent in Ribera Alta. The visit provided a comprehensive view of the region's geographical features, the risks posed by forest fires, and the characteristics of a past fire event. The delegation also delved into the technical aspects of the WUIProtect® system, which is installed to protect the urban area of Colonia Santa Marina from potential fire threats.
Key Highlights of the Visit
Advancing the DesirMED Project:
The primary focus of the visit was to advance the DesirMED project by gaining a deeper understanding of the demonstrator on the ground. The collaboration with MediXXI is crucial for Tecnalia as they seek to upscale the experience and define effective roadmaps to reduce the risks and impacts of wildfires under evolving climate change scenarios. The visit allowed for the exchange of valuable insights into the latest developments in fire prevention technology.
Unpackaging the WUIProtect® System:
The WUIProtect® system leverages real-time data and sophisticated monitoring techniques to detect and respond to fire threats, thus safeguarding both natural landscapes and residential areas. During the visit, both teams discussed the potential for replicating the system in other areas facing significant forest fire risks, which are expected to increase under climate change scenarios. The discussion also covered the implementation process, including local engagement with landowners, public administration involvement, and financing strategies. This knowledge is vital for addressing critical challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Gemma García-Blanco, Researcher at Tecnalia, expressed her satisfaction with the visit, stating, "Thank you MediXXI for having us. The visit was not only inspiring but necessary. We must get behind our desks in advancing our work on the DesirMED project. The WUIProtect system represents a significant leap forward in fire prevention technology, and we are eager to incorporate its capabilities into our broader resilience strategies."
For more information and updates on the ongoing collaboration between Tecnalia and MediXXI, please visit their official websites.
