Examining Wildfire Governance and Management in Switzerland

Wildfires arise due to a combination of dry and hot conditions that are being exacerbated through climate change, which is shifting wildfires into regions that were previously not as affected. In some regions of Switzerland, increasing and longer dry periods, extended sunshine duration, and decreasing snowpack are contributing to a projected increase in wildfire risk conditions. Although wildfires are historically uncommon in Switzerland, climate change has prompted growing concern and spurred the development of policies and plans in recent years. While there is some literature examining the history and trends of wildfires in Switzerland, research from the social science perspective is limited. This gap is particularly significant because a better understanding of policymaking and governance mechanisms can improve preventative and long-term responses aimed at reducing vulnerability to wildfire risk. The complex nature of extreme climate events requires a management and governance structure that fosters collaboration and cooperation between actors from different governance levels and disciplines, while taking into account the nature of wildfires often occurring at the wildland-urban interface (WUI). Expanding research in this area can generate insights that support more effective policymaking, streamline governance, and improve collaboration between key actors. 

 

This paper explores these complex dynamics of collaboration and cooperation between actors (communities, governmental departments, NGOs etc.) that are involved in wildfire management in some of the most impacted regions in Switzerland: the Leuk region in the Canton of Valais and the Lugano region in the Canton of Ticino. The guiding research question is as follows: How are collaborative networks structured in the governance and management of wildfire events? To explore this question, a survey was sent to actors from local to national levels to gain an understanding of actors’ perceptions, goals, activities and collaboration with others. Keeping the prevention, preparedness, during the event, and post-fire management cycle in mind, respondents were asked which actors they collaborated with and deemed as most important at certain stages in the cycle. A social network analysis is used to examine the characteristics of the collaboration network through network ties, subgroup formation and bridging actors throughout the stages in the wildfire management cycle. The results can help identify actors that play a vital role in different stages of the cycle and especially focus on the preparedness and prevention stages. These two stages are critical for strengthening resilience, reducing vulnerability and implementing proactive policies to effectively manage the factors increasing wildfire risk. The findings can help build awareness for the importance of wildfire management in areas that are historically not as vulnerable but, due to climate change, will need to strengthen their policies, planning, and risk reduction measures.