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AN INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK FOR HABITAT RESTORATION IN FIRE-PRONE AREAS – PART 1 - CO-CREATION OF LAND MANAGEMENT SCENARIOS

Paula Maia, Sofia Corticeiro , Ricardo Vaz, Paulo Fernandes, Sandra Valente, Jan Keizer, Susana Pereira, David Carvalho

Abstract

Background: Recent policy instruments for integrated landscape management in Portugal provided an opportunity to develop strategies that optimize the implementation of global policies at a local scale. Aims: The main objective was to create and define a thorough framework that combines restoration of natural habitats and fire hazard management, to contribute to landscape resilience to fire under climate changes. Methods: Ecological modelling was the basis to propose restoration of natural habitats in the area. A participatory approach was developed for the co-creation of alternative land management scenarios, described through NFFL fuel model maps expressing modified forest cover types. Results: The proposed framework, applied to integrate the stakeholders’ perceived challenges and opportunities in the land management scenarios, resulted in a decrease in fuel load in the forest areas, compared to the sole simulated restoration of native habitats, without subsequent management. Conclusions: The management of forest structure achieved through forest cover types modification suggests a reduction in wildfire propagation potential, progressively noticeable with the cumulative management of new and pre-existing forests. Implications: The framework can be used as part of a decision-support tool for forest management and may be implemented elsewhere, where habitat conservation and fire hazard are management concerns.

WF24042  Accepted 19 November 2024

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