Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, France
Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur (PACA) is a touristic region in the southeastern part of France that is highly affected by technological and natural hazards, except volcanism. One of the main effects of climate change is the increase in forest fires, which are projected to be amplified.
Wildfires are often ignited due to human negligence close to forested regions, affecting critical infrastructures such as electricity networks and road highways. The Med-IREN project will protect these critical infrastructures by applying the following nature-based solutions.
Nature-based Solutions
Animal grazing
Livestock, such as goats or sheep, is used for grazing forested areas and clearing paths to increase forest fire resilience. This NBS can enhance biodiversity through plant seed spreading.
Establishing fire lines
Prescribed burning is applied to create a natural barrier in areas prone to wildfires.
Restoration of open and semi-open sub-forest environments
Reopen sub-forest environment (the “garrigue”) enhances biodiversity and reduces fire behaviour
Land management
Working with the diversity of landscapes (agricultural, forested, urban) helps to break the dynamics of fire and reduces the potential for devastating blazes.
Med-IREN Benefits
Protection of the transport systems (road highways, railways)
Safe water distribution via dams
Resilient telecommunications networks
Climate Resilience Policies
In March 2025, France published its 3rd Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
The plan sets out 51 measures covering 5 main areas:
- Protect citizens
- Ensure the resilience of territories, infrastructures, and essential services
- Increase adaptation of human activities to guarantee economic resilience and food and energy sovereignty at a +4°C climate scenario
- Protect our natural and cultural heritage
- Mobilise the nation's driving forces to adapt to climate change successfully
These measures will then be applied at the regional level. The revision of this plan aligns perfectly with the launch of the Med-IREN project, as both share the common goal of promoting the deployment of nature-based solutions to reduce territorial vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.