The Institut Balear de la Natura (IBANAT) has taken a step forward in the prevention and extinction of forest fires in the Balearic Islands with the acquisition of 21 open-bed pickup trucks and three electric vans. This fleet renewal, funded by Next Generation EU through the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, represents an investment of €1,148,547 and aims to improve the safety and efficiency of operations.

One of IBANAT’s new vehicles. Photo: CAIB.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, highlighted the urgency of this measure due to the outdated state of IBANAT’s fleet. “We were forced to rent 14 vehicles to ensure the brigades’ operations until new vehicles became available. This purchase was essential to optimise forest fire prevention and extinction efforts,” he stated.

Meanwhile, IBANAT’s manager, Tomeu Llabrés, emphasised that this modernisation was carried out within the deadlines set by European funds. “The Government reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the natural environment and the fight against forest fires,” he assured.

The contract was awarded to two companies: ScaITT will supply 21 ISUZU D-Max N60 open-bed pickup trucks for €1,023,133.65, with a delivery time of nine months, while Inca Centro Auto will provide three electric vans for €125,413.08, with a delivery time of eight months.