1141 | 698 | Policy coherence analysis towards integrated wildfire risk management in the EU | Serra, M., Plana, P., Smeenk, A., Nebot, S.

Wildfire risk (WFR) has been exacerbated across the world due to climate and land use changes, favoring more severe, damaging, and extreme wildfire events that put communities and values at risk not only in traditional fire-prone areas but also in unprecedented territories, with different socioeconomic, ecological and political implications. Especially, when WFR management policies centered on ignition control and fire suppression are being overcome. Consequently, integrated approaches tackling the root causes related to fire spread capacity (hazard) as well as the creation of exposures and vulnerabilities become determinant. Beyond approaching wildfires as an emergency, WFR reduction needs to be integrated in all sectoral policies influencing risk “(de)construction” process, such us urban planning, bioeconomy, nature conservation, green energy or within touristic sector. _x000D_
This research identifies the landscape of policies and initiatives under the European Green Deal (such as 3 Billion Trees Pledge initiative, Just Transition Mechanism, related EU Strategies or Nature Restoration Law proposal) influencing WFR in terms of hazard, exposure and vulnerability trade-offs, and analyses up to what extend they are aligned in a (in)coherent way for wildfire disaster risk reduction. _x000D_
Results concludes that significant dysfunctions, but also potential synergies exist to move forward to integrated WFR management under a common policy frame supported by multi-stakeholders’ risk governance bodies. Key aspects that could be approached in a more coherent way along and across the initiatives and policies analyzed are suggested. Moreover, the method and results offer a general frame that may be downscaled from EU to national or regional level.

Serra, M., Plana, P., Smeenk, A., Nebot, S.
Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya

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ID Abstract: 698