"It was crucial to further shift from suppression to prevention. Fire risk is greatly linked to socioeconomic factors, so changing human behavior is necessary. We are at a crossroads and we need to find the best way to promote foresight, awareness and prevention. In this context, the adoption of this amendment can be considered as a first step in the major challenge of disaster risk reduction,” said Dr. Jean Louis Rossi, a member of this group of scientists from the University of Corte, France.

The group of scientists used evidence-based lobbying to address mayors, local level governmental services, fire fighting authorities and the general public through media, meetings and conferences in cities and rural municipalities. Building on a growing visibility, the group of scientists caught attention of national parliamentarians who finally turned it into a draft amendment which is now adopted in the project-law.

"With this amendment, we won a great victory in defending our municipalities against the scourge of wildfires. When implemented, this progress will also help to develop incentives for sustainable wood industry in rural areas" said Deputy Jean Felix Acquaviva, from the French National Parliament.

Hazards

Wild Fire

Themes

Advocacy & Media; Climate Change; Community-based DRR; Governance; Science and Technology

Country & Region

France