Experts from the European Forest Institute (EFI) urge moving from managing each fire as an isolated emergency to managing fire risk across landscapes and throughout the year.
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FoRISK is pleased to present the first in a two-part factsheet series on wildfire management, developed by expert members of the FoRISK network in collaboration with FOEN/BAFU (Swiss Federal Office of the Environment).
Titled “Wildfire Prevention in the Alpine Region: Fire‑Resilient Forest Management in Switzerland,” this publication examines how Alpine forests are becoming increasingly exposed to wildfire risk, and why proactive approaches are essential.
Rather than aiming to eliminate fire entirely, the factsheet introduces a different perspective: the need to manage and coexist with fire in more resilient landscapes.
Wildfires are becoming a risk throughout the country. Climate change is altering the frequency and intensity of wildfire events in mountain regions. What were once rare occurrences are becoming more frequent, signalling that wildfires must now be treated as a growing risk for Alpine ecosystems and communities.
Although weather and terrain cannot be controlled, the factsheet highlights that forest structure, composition, and fuel characteristics can be actively shaped. This places sustainable forest management at the centre of wildfire prevention, with the potential to influence how wildfires start, spread, and impact landscapes.
Addressing wildfire risk requires more than emergency response. The factsheet underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration, informed forest management practices, and sustained efforts over time to build resilience and reduce impacts.
These messages offer only a snapshot of a broader framework presented in the factsheet, which combines scientific insights with practical considerations for implementation. The full publication provides a more detailed look at the principles, measures, and strategic approaches behind fire‑resilient forest management in Alpine contexts.
Read the Factsheet here:
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Stay tuned for the release of the second publication in this series.
The pan-European Forest Risk Facility (FoRISK) kick-off meeting, focusing on Steering Committee formation, took place on Monday, April 28, marking a significant milestone in the establishment of this innovative network. During the meeting, key steps were approved to form the governing bodies, define relationships with FOREST EUROPE signatories and observers, and outline the initial work program giving a strategic direction of the Facility.
The Steering Committee (SC), currently featuring representatives from Germany, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Luxembourg and Czechia, besides the participation of potential SC member countries like Bulgaria, Switzerland, and Greece, entered an open discussion and discussed the way forward with the FoRISK Secretariat. They also touched base on the progress on collaborations with expert networks, including the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague on biotic hazards in forests and the Baden-Württemberg Forest Research Institute on windstorms.
A notable highlight was the dynamic wind-blow strategy for Ireland, initiated by Minister Haely-Rae and supported by the Rapid Response team of the FoRISK Facility. This strategy is already in motion, demonstrating FoRISK’s proactive approach to addressing forest challenges. A follow-up workshop is scheduled for early May, providing further insights and updates (more info here).
With the first events, collaborations, and communication strategies in the planning stages, FoRISK has officially launched, setting the stage for a productive first year. The facility aims to sustain a stable collaboration network, focusing on three focal areas, such as windstorm, wildfire and biotic agents, to drive research, transboundary collaboration and innovation towards resilient forests.
Stay tuned for more updates as FoRISK continues to grow and make strides in international forest risk management cooperation.
“FoRISK aim to be a reliable knowledge hub fostering cooperation in disaster risk management. We need your visions, experiences and support in reaching it jointly for more resilient forests and forest sectors.” Silvia Abruscato, Coordinator of the Forest Risk Facility (FoRISK)
The endorsement of the Bonn Ministerial Decision by the FOREST EUROPE Ministers at the 9th FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference marked the beginning of the Forest Risk Facility (FoRISK), hosted by the European Forest Institute, Bonn. Three months into its establishment, the Secretariat is working towards making FoRISK a key platform for knowledge exchange as well as sharing science-based information and promoting cross-sectoral networking among regional, national and international actors. These aims will be achieved through working with FOREST EUROPE’s signatories across the pan-European borders, practitioners and experts to address issues like droughts and wildfires, storms and pests & diseases.
The FoRISK working modalities framework developed over the last months was approved at the recently concluded Expert Level Meeting (ELM) on April 3, giving the formal green light to the Facility. The top priorities for the FoRISK Secretariat include the development of FoRISK governance rules in detail, as well as the work programme development and engagement with other relevant actors. These activities will be further discussed in the upcoming first kick-off meeting for the Steering Committee, which will be held on 28.04.2025 from 13:00-15:00 (CET) in a hybrid format. FoRISK Coordinator, Ms. Silvia Abruscato, invited members to provide financial support and in-kind contributions to ensure inclusion and the successful work of the Secretariat through a greater impact. The outcomes of the discussions at the kick-off meeting will be shared with all.
Stay tuned to get fresh information about the first activities of the FoRISK after our kick-off meeting at the end of the month.
