We sat down with Massimiliano Granceri Bradaschia, a territorial planning expert by training and profession, researcher at the University of Venice and the project leader of KARST Firewall 5.0, to talk about how cross-border territorial planning, scientific analysis, and cooperation between Italian and Slovenian institutions can reduce wildfire vulnerability in the Karst region. The conversation focused on turning complex data and research into practical, shared tools and actions that help communities prevent fires and adapt to climate change.
For the start he talked us through what the Karst project is really about. “Karst Firewall” means a firebreak wall for the Karst. The idea is to try to help those who deal with territorial planning and the management of forest and grassland areas, so that vulnerabilities can be reduced with respect to wildfires, which in recent years have become increasingly frequent and have had an increasingly negative impact.”
What exactly is the role of IUAV in the project?
Beyond managing the partnership, IUAV is responsible for territorial analyses and proposals, focusing on risk analysis and the vulnerability of the Karst region to wildfires. The aim is to provide a catalogue of solutions that reduce fire vulnerability not only through spatial and environmental measures, but also by strengthening institutional cooperation between Italy and Slovenia.
Regarding the project activities, could you explain this coordination within the partnership; How do you open a scientific partnership and also involve other partners? How does it work in practice?
We act as the leading partner, coordinating most activities within a strong and well-balanced partnership. Our scientific partners handle geographical and statistical analyses, private partners contribute technological and practical knowledge, NGOs and municipalitiy provide field experience and local insights. IUAV adds its long-standing expertise in territorial planning, combining spatial and geostatistical analysis with participatory and ecological approaches to address complex challenges like climate change adaptation. This structure allows us to integrate different perspectives, foster dialogue among stakeholders, and ensure that scientific results are translated into practical, shared actions on the ground.
Have you already been involved in other projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with European projects, including Interreg, LIFE, and LIFE+ initiatives, especially on environmental and climate-related issues. Our work is always conducted in the field, collaborating closely with local, regional, and national authorities to provide solutions and create the conditions for effective territorial planning and risk management.
So, facilitation is key. Perhaps you could now explain in more detail what your work actually consists of: what does territorial planning mean in this context of wildfire risk reduction?
Territorial planning in this context means creating a detailed geographical knowledge layer, starting with vulnerability and hazard maps that identify areas most at risk of wildfires. These maps are validated with the Italian and Slovenian forestry corps and then used to guide municipalities in developing action plans. IUAV supports this process by providing analysis, guidance, and recommendations, while the municipalities take responsibility for implementing the measures on the ground.
Could you describe in more concrete terms how this works, the tools, methods, and how you create a map of vulnerability? In technical details?
We create vulnerability maps using GIS (Geographical Information System), which combines satellite images and vector data into layered analyses processed with algorithms. The final map displays areas from low to high vulnerability, visually represented across the territory with a color gradient.
Personally, what aspect of this work excites you?
At heart, I’m a geographer, and what excites me most is turning analysis into practical solutions that improve the territory. It’s especially rewarding to fill knowledge gaps, work with diverse expertise, and make research truly useful beyond the academic world.
What about the current project results? Where are you in the project?
So far, we’ve produced the maps, completed a climate projection report, and presented the first project deliverables, including statistical analyses and a predictive wildfire model. Next steps include removing the most flammable trees, restoring dry stone walls as firebreaks, and reactivating Karst pastures to support traditional subsistence activities like goat farming and winemaking.
So, we’re talking about the classic and natural cyclical processes, at the level of copying. What is specific in this context regarding cooperation?
In the Karst territory, cooperation is essential to overcome historical and cultural divisions between the Italian- and Slovenian-speaking communities and create a unified approach to wildfire risk and climate adaptation. Karst Firewall 5.0 focuses on building institutional capacity, knowledge transfer, and transdisciplinary collaboration to ensure solutions are effective locally. These solutions are designed to be replicable in other high-risk regions beyond the Karst. By integrating social, ecological, and technological aspects and engaging local populations, the project transforms local challenges into strengths while fostering long-term cross-border cooperation.
True resilience in the Karst starts long before the flames appear. It relies on everyday planning - managing trees and pastures, maintaining ecological balance, and using technology to detect early signs of fire. Early detection lowers risks to people, communities, and infrastructure, while enabling more efficient use of resources. By integrating human, community, and institutional actions with the landscape, the project shows that prevention under ordinary conditions is the most effective safeguard.
This interview is part of the series Cross-Border Conversations, which brings together voices from both sides of the Italy–Slovenia border. Through the lens of the Karst Firewall 5.0 project, the series highlights the knowledge, stories, and everyday realities of those working to strengthen resilience in a landscape increasingly shaped by climate change.
