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Socio-Ecological Perceptions of Wildfire Management and Effects in Greece

Authors :
Palaiologos Palaiologou
Kostas Kalabokidis
Andreas Troumbis
Michelle A. Day
Max Nielsen-Pincus
Alan A. Ager
Source :
Fire, Vol 4, Iss 2, p 18 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2021.

Abstract

Adapting to the growing frequency of catastrophic wildfires in Greece and mitigating their effects is a complex socio-ecological problem. We used an online survey to query more than 100 engaged stakeholders who can potentially influence possible legislation and fire management organizational reform, emphasizing civil protection agencies and research entities. We focused the questionnaire on the importance of different wildfire effects to understand which were considered negative or unacceptable, indifferent, or positive. For fire prevention, we examined the range of acceptance and views on fuel management and fire use activities that are limited in extent or not allowed in Greece. We also examined the beliefs regarding ignition causes and responsibility, in addition to how different policies might reduce wildfire-related problems. The results revealed an emphasis on reforming wildfire management policies to deal with the way society and agencies function and interact, and mitigate the influence of climate change in wildfire frequency and behavior. In addition, respondents had a negative stance towards allowing wildfires to burn for resource objectives and a strong belief that arsonists are behind most ignitions. They also believe the lack of a national cadaster system is a major source of wildfire-related problems. The results indicate little support for fuel treatments, but increased acceptance for the legalization of fire use during firefighting (backfires). This study summarizes current wildfire perceptions in Greece and identifies opportunities and barriers to changes in wildfire governance to improve risk management programs and guide post-fire management and mitigation.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
25716255
Volume :
4
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Fire
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.1fa2a55594f9436fa02edb28d3c884ac
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4020018