MAP Instrument to Integrate Forest Fire Risk Mitigation, Civil Protection and Spatial Planning – Eastern Attica Region, Greece

Abstract

In Greece, the separation of spatial planning from civil protection and sectoral risk prevention has weakened forest fire risk management. The system is marked by poor prevention, ineffective crisis response, high costs, and conflicting responsibilities among agencies. This paper presents the application of the EU-funded INCA project’s “Agreement on Objectives” and its Road Map instrument in Eastern Attica, a mixed forest-residential region highly prone to fires. The process involved establishing partnerships, defining objectives, and implementing consensual multi-sectoral measures with continuous feedback. Despite administrative and cultural obstacles, the initiative succeeded due to the active involvement of local authorities and strong facilitation. The case demonstrates the potential of integrated risk governance to improve coordination, prevention, and resource efficiency, offering a model adaptable even to centralised administrative systems.