MED-Star2 aims to enhance the ability of cross-border territories between Italy and France to jointly manage wildfires by adopting risk mitigation and climate change adaptation measures that promote the resilience of both territories and communities. The project includes shared and participatory strategies and interventions, the dissemination of innovative tools, and the enhancement of results achieved in the previous strategic project MED-Star and its four related simple projects: MED-FORESTE, INTERMED, MED-PSS, and MED-COOPFIRE.
Furthermore, MED-Star2 fosters cooperation between operational entities and policymakers across different territories through the development of joint training programs, capacity-building initiatives, and specialized training sessions.
GOALS AND EXPECTED RESULTS
The main objective is strengthening wildfire monitoring, forecasting, and management capabilities in cross-border territories. This will be achieved by implementing shared platforms, improving wildfire propagation and hazard prediction, and developing prototype tools to optimize emergency response operations.
Another key aspect is enhancing the skills of local administrators and institutions in planning and governance while increasing awareness among various target groups about wildfire risks and adaptation strategies. This will be facilitated through training programs, experience exchanges, and public awareness initiatives.
The adopted solutions include:
- Supporting institutions and administrations in designing and developing resilient communities and territories
- Expanding fuel moisture monitoring networks in Sardinia and Tuscany
- Developing tools to improve wildfire hazard assessment and creating a new cross-border wildfire danger bulletin prototype
- Establishing terrestrial and aerial wildfire intervention units (AIB) equipped with interoperable operational and technical solutions, with dedicated personnel training
CIMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION’S CONTRIBUTION
CIMA Research Foundation contributes to different project phases by providing expertise in forest fire prediction modeling, based on fuel maps made with machine learning techniques and climate datasets. It participates in the definition of an integrated plan for forest and rural fire risk management by providing experience in conducting participatory civil protection pathways and is responsible for updating the myDewetra.world-MEDSTAR platform, developed in the previous programming, integrating new modeling and functionality. Regarding communication, awareness, and education activities, CIMA Research Foundation uses its experience to raise awareness and skills of economic stakeholders, citizens, technicians, administrators, and students, with a focus on climate risks and adaptation strategies, promoting greater community empowerment.
Photograph: Di Menna Paolo/UIF
