Methodology and expected results

Actions and means involved

The actions to be carried out during the Project are part of a sequential process of capitalization and transfer of knowledge and experiences structured in three phases:

1. Review and identification of innovative tools, processes and best practices.
2. Adaptation of the tools, methodologies and practices to the European context.
3. Design of several products and a free-access platform for the capitalization and transfer of knowledge and experiences.

These actions will involve a thorough international literature review, meetings with experts, applied investigations, creation and edition of guidelines and e-learning materials, as well as the development of a web-based platform for promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
For detailed information of project actions see here (Tasks, actions and deliverables)

The general expected result is to structure relevant available information and construct and disseminate a common EU framework on innovative operational tools for improving fire risk assessment from a cost-effective approach.

The specific expected results of the projects will be as follows:

• Capitalization of knowledge of innovative tools for a cost-effective wildfire risk management in the context of climate change.
  This objective will include the identification and the update of innovative operational tools and governance processes for wildfire risk reduction at stand and landscape level, based on detailed knowledge of fire behaviour patterns and through prior fire event assessment. Tools for wildfire hazard identification and for prediction of potential fire events (ignitions, climatic and topographic factors, vegetation) as well as expert opinion and successful implementation experiences will be considered. Gap analysis of the operational demands of public agencies and stakeholders considering the different socioeconomic contexts of EU members will be included.
• EU context adaptation of operational transfer tools for prior fire assessment and actor participatory processes.
  Some specific innovative tools emerging from local experiences will be tested and adapted at the EU context level through pilot site and training sessions involving end-user stakeholders with the aim to enhance transferring capacity and transnational scope.
• Development of a knowledge base and “lessons-learned” platform of innovative tools and means for wildfire hazard assessment.
  A knowledge base platform will be developed including “lessons-learned”, best practices and approaches. The platform will integrate, amongst others, operational guidelines and tools at EU level for the implementation of prior fire event assessment, common training, and a strategic communication on fire risk management.
• Dissemination and communication.
  Dissemination and communication activities will be a centrepiece of the project, and will be addressed to the different actors that the project is targeting (e.g. fire-fighters, national authorities, scientists, forest managers, etc.). A set of outcomes will be developed in the form of an interactive web portal, e-learning tools or printed training materials, and information packages in selected languages.