Wildfires in the Mediterranean region have emerged as a pressing issue, exacerbated by climate change and evolving land use practices. Traditionally, fire management strategies have leaned heavily on suppression methods. However, this reactive approach is increasingly seen as unsustainable, often leading to catastrophic wildfires that threaten both lives and the environment. To address these challenges effectively, it is crucial to understand local practices and engage a diverse array of stakeholders. A recent study in Monreale, Sicily, led by PhD student Erika Piroli, sought to uncover the varied perspectives of stakeholders regarding the causes and management of wildfires. The research revealed three primary positions among stakeholders: advocates for prevention, supporters of government intervention, and those who favour privatisation.
Divergent Views on Wildfire Causes and Management Strategies
One of the study’s key findings was the lack of consensus on the indirect factors contributing to wildfires. Stakeholders debated whether inadequate maintenance of roads and paths or land abandonment poses a greater risk. This divergence extended to management strategies. Some stakeholders called for updating silvicultural practices and enhancing the skills of forest workers, echoing trends seen in other Mediterranean nations. Conversely, others proposed that private companies could deliver more efficient forest prevention services.
Prescribed burning emerged as a commonly favoured preventive measure, especially in the fragmented forests and abandoned rural areas of Sicily. Yet, implementing this strategy faces significant hurdles, including cultural resistance and regulatory challenges. Despite differing opinions, stakeholders largely agreed that the current focus on reactive fire management—primarily suppression—has proven insufficient. Additionally, the regional Forestry Corps in Sicily is hindered by an ageing workforce, poor coordination, and a top-down approach that often neglects local fire culture.
The study also examined how political and socioeconomic factors shape fire management policies. While some stakeholders express distrust in the political system and advocate for privatisation, others emphasise the necessity of strong government involvement, particularly in terms of public safety and the expertise of government forest workers. This complexity underscores the need for collaborative efforts and conflict resolution in fire management.
Figure 1 – Z-score plot showing the alignment of three factors (Prevention Advocates, Pro-Government, and Privatization Supporters) with 40 statements. The horizontal axis displays abbreviated statements, and the Z-scores indicate how strongly each factor agrees. Statements at the top show more disagreement, while consensus increases toward the bottom. The scale ranges from −2 to 3, with unfilled markers indicating scores beyond this range.
Our findings highlight the potential benefits of transitioning from a government-centric approach to a more inclusive, governance-based model. Such a shift could facilitate more effective landscape and fire management strategies. By focusing on shared goals and innovative solutions, stakeholders can better protect ecosystems and communities from the devastating effects of wildfires.
Looking Ahead
In conclusion, the diverse perspectives on wildfire management in Monreale provide a valuable foundation for developing sustainable fire policies. Future research could explore the effectiveness of public versus private aerial firefighting services, offering insights into cost and environmental impact. Additionally, investigating the potential of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) to incentivise sustainable practices could revolutionise fire management efforts.
By embracing collaboration and leveraging local knowledge, we can foster a more resilient approach to wildfire management in the Mediterranean.
Read the paper:
Piroli, E. Salvatore La Mela Veca, D., Mistry, J. and Kountouris, Y. (2024) Understanding stakeholders’ perspectives behind wildfires in Sicily: A Q-methodology approach People and Nature 10.1002/pan3.10729
Feature Image: San Martino Delle Scale, Monreale. View from the Abbazia di San Martino. Ph: Donato Salvatore La Mela Veca
Erika Piroli is a PhD student co-funded by Leverhulme Wildfires and EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Technology Enhanced Chemical Synthesis. She is based in the Centre of Environmental Policy at Imperial College London. Her research is on ‘Policy and Fires – do politicians’ incentives and priorities affect wildfires occurrence?’
