On 13 of July 2026, the academic seminar Wildfires and Adaptation to Climate Change took place at IUAV University in Venice, bringing together researchers and experts from across the Mediterranean region to discuss emerging challenges and innovative approaches in wildfire risk management.
The seminar focused on how climate change is reshaping wildfire risk reduction processes at every stage, from the collection and provision of information to the development of risk and vulnerability assessments. Discussions addressed the selection and implementation of adaptation measures, including innovative approaches and revised parameters for wildfire prevention strategies, such as wider firebreaks and enhanced landscape management practices. Particular attention was also given to governance models for public, collective, and private natural areas, highlighting the importance of co-management approaches in increasing resilience to wildfire risks.
Wildfires represent a growing challenge across the northern Mediterranean, including the Upper Adriatic region of Italy and Slovenia. The seminar therefore explored both local experiences and lessons learned from leading wildfire management practices in other Mediterranean regions, including Sardinia, Portugal, Spain, and Greece.
The programme featured the following presentations:
- Managing Wildfire Risk in Forested Environments: From Prevention Systems to Extreme Events – Miguel Almeida (ADAI)
- Vegetation Recovery after the 2022 Wildfire on the Karst Plateau – Andraž Čarni, Mateja Breg Valjavec, Lucia Čahojová, Aljaž Jakob (ZRC SAZU)
- Risk Assessment on Ecosystem Services Due to Wildfires and Possible Risk Mitigation Measures: The Case Study of Northern Pindos National Park, Northwest Greece – Researchers from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- Ecological Principles of Post-Fire Restoration in Mediterranean Forests: Insights from Pinus brutia and Pinus nigra Forest Succession – Ali Kavgaci (Mehmet Akif University)
- Modeling Approaches to Assess Fine-Scale Wildfire Likelihood, Hazard and Emissions in Southern Italy – Liliana Del Giudice (CNR)
- Application of Wildfire Spread and Behavior Modeling to Inform Fuel and Land Management Strategies in Mediterranean Areas – Michele Salis (CNR)
- Wildfire Adaptation Measures Between Innovation and Tradition: Landscape Management as a Strategy for Wildfire Prevention, Territorial Planning and Governance in Portugal – Domingos Lopes (UTAD)
- Vulnerability Analysis of the Karst Region – Massimiliano Granceri Bradaschia (IUAV University)
- Satellite- and UAV-Based Monitoring of Burned Areas and Post-Fire Vegetation Recovery for Wildfire Protection in Karst Landscapes – Mateja Valjavec (ZRC SAZU)
- Wildfire Platform for the Karst Region – Marko Petelin (Infordata)
The seminar provided an important platform for exchanging knowledge, research findings, and practical experiences, contributing to the development of more effective and climate-resilient wildfire adaptation strategies across the Mediterranean region.
