Mapping wildfire vulnerability in Mediterranean Europe. Testing a stepwise approach for operational purposes

Sandra Oliveira,Fernando Félix,Adélia Nunes,Luciano Lourenço,Giovanni Laneve,Ana Sebastián-López

doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.10.003

Abstract

Vulnerability assessment is a vital component of wildfire management. This research focused on the development of a framework to measure and map vulnerability levels in several areas within Mediterranean Europe, where wildfires are a major concern. The framework followed a stepwise approach to evaluate its main components, expressed by exposure, sensitivity and coping capacity. Data on population density, fuel types, protected areas location, roads infrastructure and surveillance activities, among others, were integrated to create composite indices, representing each component and articulated in multiple dimensions. Maps were created for several test areas, in northwest Portugal, southwest Sardinia in Italy and northeast Corsica in France, with the contribution of local participants from civil protection institutions and forest services. Results showed the influence of fuel sensitivity levels, population distribution and protected areas coverage for the overall vulnerability classes. Reasonable levels of accuracy were found on the maps provided through the validation procedure, with an overall match above 72% for the several sites.The systematic and flexible approach applied allowed for adjustments to local circumstances with regards to data availability and fire management procedures, without compromising its consistency and with substantial operational capabilities. The results obtained and the positive feedback of end-users encourage its further application, as a means to improve wildfire management strategies at multiple levels with the latest scientific outputs.

Highlights

Wildland fires are recurrent events in southern Europe and a major cause of land degradation in this region (Pausas et al, 2008; Rodrigues et al, 2013; San-Miguel-Ayanz et al, 2013; Turco et al, 2016)
The importance of protected areas for vulnerability level within this framework is visible, based on scientific evidence that emphasizes the positive outcomes provided by protected areas regarding, for example, habitat and species conservation and ecosystems services (Geldmann et al, 2013), the support to local livelihoods and national development (Naughton-Treves et al, 2005) and the economic value associated with recreation and social benefits (Ninan and Inoue, 2013), including in Mediterranean areas (Molina et al, 2016)
Vulnerability assessment is of utmost importance in wildfire management and scientific research can provide valuable tools useful in other sectors

Summary

Introduction

Wildland fires are recurrent events in southern Europe and a major cause of land degradation in this region (Pausas et al, 2008; Rodrigues et al, 2013; San-Miguel-Ayanz et al, 2013; Turco et al, 2016). The coexistence of urban settlements, infrastructure networks and vegetated areas in a complex and intimately interconnected patchwork increase fire hazard This is exacerbated by the recent changes in demographic patterns and land use, combined with the diminished control on traditional practices involving fire as an instrument for land management (Badia et al, 2011; Gomes, 2006; Lampin-Maillet et al, 2011; Moreira et al, 2011; Nunes et al, 2016; Pausas et al, 2008; Ruiz-Mirazo et al, 2012; San-Miguel-Ayanz et al, 2012a). Institutions working on wildfire management of the participating countries, Civil Protection Departments, Forest Services, Fire Brigades and regional Environmental Agencies, were involved as stakeholders during the several phases of the project, to ensure the operational application of the outputs developed (Laneve et al, 2014; Oliveira et al, 2017a)

Methods

Results

Conclusion