Integrated Fire Management and Closer to Nature Forest Management at the Landscape Scale as a Holistic Approach to Foster Forest Resilience to Wildfires

Abstract

This policy brief examines and highlights the importance of implementing two key approaches to increasing forest resilience to wildfire in the face of climate change. The first approach explores Integrated Fire Management (IFM) and the second analyses the Closer-To-Nature Forest Management (CTNFM), both with landscape-scale connectivity. The document discusses various strategies and principles to address the challenges posed by wildfires, and their associated impacts such as forest degradation and biodiversity loss. It emphasizes the urgent need for global action, political commitment, and public awareness to address these issues effectively. Key topics covered include wildfire adaptation strategies of plant species and the impact of climate change and land use on fire regimes. Silvicultural closer-to-nature practices, such as the promotion of natural forest regeneration with enhancement of broadleaves, mixed stand composition and strategic tree spacing are examined as means to reduce the spread of fires in wildfire-prone areas. This paper also highlights the benefits of a landscape-scale approach to sustainable forest management that includes wildfire prevention, ecological resilience, habitat conservation and resource management. Recommendations are made for policy makers to support these management strategies through collaboration, enforcement, ecological stewardship, monitoring capabilities, public education, research support and international cooperation. The integration of these approaches can enhance wildfire mitigation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, timber yield, carbon storage, water quality and recreational opportunities, thereby promoting resilient landscapes and communities. Ultimately, the combined implementation of IFM and CTNFM practices is essential to achieve long-term forest sustainability and resilience.