Governare gli incendi in Italia: superare l’emergenza, pianificare la prevenzione

Abstract

Wildfires represent a critical environmental and social challenge, with long- term implications for human health, ecosystems, and infrastructure. This com- plex issue is exacerbated by various factors, including socioeconomic changes, unsustainable practices in agro-forestry land management, and the intensifica- tion of extreme weather events. The complexity of fire management in Italy necessitates effective governance mechanisms and planning tools at both regional and national levels. This study looks at successful prevention strate- gies, such as prescribed burning and proactive land management, while also addressing existing governance challenges, such as coordination among rele- vant institutions and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks. In addition to providing insights into the current state of fire governance and proposing practical solutions, we suggest that more resilient and sustainable fire mana- gement practices, already successfully implemented in some regions, should be adopted nationwide in Italy.