The LIFE Bears with a Future project, coordinated by the Brown Bear Foundation and in which the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) participates as a partner, has launched the first fruit tree plantation campaign with the aim of promoting the availability of food for the brown bear in the Cantabrian Mountains in the face of the effects that climate change is causing. So far, in this first campaign, 36,787 trees and shrubs of native and fruit-producing species have been planted that serve as food for the brown bear. In total, 70,000 fruit trees have been planned for this phase. Specifically, cherry trees, apple trees, arraclanes, mustajos, rowans, as well as chestnut trees have been planted. For the selection of planting areas, the project has previously developed studies of the suitability of the species to be planted and the characteristics of the land according to climate change scenarios. Thus, these first plantations have taken place in Alto Sil (León), in mountains of public utility in the municipalities of Páramo del Sil and Palacios del Sil, and will also be carried out soon on private farms in both municipalities. During several phases and until 2025, the project foresees the planting of 150,000 native trees and shrubs producing fleshy fruits in 225 groves that will occupy about 155 hectares. To these will be added 25,000 native chestnut trees that will be grafted with local varieties in another 75 groves that will occupy around 55 hectares.

BEARS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Every February 21, Bear Protection Day is commemorated with the aim of remembering the importance of protecting them, as well as the ecosystem services they offer us. In addition, this date highlights the actions carried out for their conservation and protection. In the last 50 years, spring has been brought forward by 5 days per decade. At the same time, winters have warmed by 4 tenths per decade. Climate scenarios predict that this dynamic will last for several more decades, according to the IPCC’s climate models. On the one hand, climate change is impacting the production of wild fruits on which the brown bear feeds. Some, such as blueberries, have already had irregular harvests in recent years and others, such as forests dominated by beech and Atlantic oaks, will suffer a drastic reduction in that area. A direct action to compensate for these losses in bear feeding is the promotion of other species less vulnerable to climate change, such as cherry, myrtle, apple or chestnut trees. In fact, chestnut trees located in mountain areas with sufficient rainfall and soil moisture can even increase their fruit production, so that they will become increasingly important in the brown bear’s diet. On the other hand, the brown bear is in danger of extinction and is very vulnerable to any threat. Specifically, rising temperatures encourage bears to hibernate for less time or not at all. In years with warmer winters, entry into the bear sheds is delayed and the exit from hibernation is brought forward. Therefore, it is foreseeable that there will be more active bears in winter, and that encounters with them may increase. Winter leisure activities are compatible with the presence of bears, but it is important to know what can and should not be done to avoid incidents. To this end, the LIFE Bears with a Future project aims to promote compatibility between recreational activities in nature and the presence of bears through a series of tips for touring the bear mountains, which are collected in an animated video and in this infographic aimed at those who practice hiking and other winter sports in these territories. Among the most important recommendations, they are never to follow the trail of a bear or approach it if you see it from afar, not to leave the marked routes, not to leave rubbish that could capture its attention or, if a bear notices your presence, to be noticed by speaking softly and without gestures.

THE LIFE BEARS WITH A FUTURE PROJECT

The LIFE Bears with a Future, co-financed by the European Commission, is coordinated by the Brown Bear Foundation (FOP) and has as partners the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) and the Natural Heritage Foundation of the Junta de Castilla y León. The Government of the Principality of Asturias and the Tierra Pura Foundation also participate as collaborators.