Firescape politics of wildfires in the Mediterranean: Example from rural Tuscany, Italy

Abstract

Increase in wildfires has changed parts of the landscape and ecosystems of the Mediterranean region. By using the firecapes approach, this paper aims to establish a connection between wildfires as a natural phenomenon and the political dynamics surrounding land ownership, knowledge, and mitigation. Theoretically, we apply political ecology to contextualize firescapes by examining the historical processes that have shaped different uses of landscape which in turn has made land areas susceptible to wildfires. Empirical evidence is derived from literature review, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups with local municipal actors in wildfire mitigation in Tuscany, Italy. Results demonstrate that while Tuscany is climatically predisposed to wildfire activity, historical processes of industrialization and commercialization have rendered the land more vulnerable to destruction by wildfire. Historically-informed and community-based approaches are recommended for sustainable wildfire prevention and mitigation.