A roadmap for nature-based solutions to extreme wildfires

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Climate Change Adaptation

Background:

• Extreme wildfires are increasing due to climate change, land abandonment, and fire suppression.
• Wildfire management is currently underrepresented in global nature-based solutions (NbS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a roadmap for integrating NbS into wildfire risk reduction and landscape resilience.
• To identify key strategies and barriers for NbS implementation in wildfire management.

Main Methods:

• This perspective paper reviews current literature and expert opinion.
• It proposes strategies such as integrated fire management and close-to-nature forestry.
• It analyzes barriers including policy fragmentation and public misconceptions.

Main Results:

• Key NbS strategies include integrated fire management, close-to-nature forestry, biomass extraction, and green firebreaks.
• Significant barriers to NbS implementation exist, including public perception, policy issues, funding, and rural stewardship incentives.

Conclusions:

• Mainstreaming a "fire-smart" approach into NbS requires inclusive governance, local leadership, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Addressing these challenges through policy alignment, monitoring, capacity building, and innovative financing is essential for wildfire resilience.