Nature-based solutions for European fire-resistant forests

This report outlines the potential of nature-based solutions (NBS) to reduce fire risk and increase overall climate resilience in Europe’s forests. It is based on a review of case studies on forest management across Europe and the available literature, and is published in the context of the EU adaptation strategy and the 2030 forest strategy.

Key messages
⁻ Fire is a natural phenomenon of the Earth system. However, the frequency, intensity and impacts of forest fires in Europe are increasing. Between 2000 and 2024, an average of 3770 km² of land was affected by fires annually in EEA member countries.

⁻ Climate change, urban sprawl and land abandonment in rural areas are increasing the frequency of forest fires. The transition zone between forest and urban environments, where the risk of forest fires is particularly high, is estimated to cover 7.4% of the land area in the catchment area of the 33 EEA countries.

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