Forest fires pose a significant threat to rural areas, affecting ecosystems, property, infrastructure, and human lives. Effective post-fire management strategies are crucial for short-term ecosystem and community recovery. This study evaluated the effectiveness of three post-fire interventions in reducing soil erosion and runoff within a temperate Atlantic–transition climate, focusing on a shrubland hillslope near organic vineyards in Corullón, NW Spain, after a moderate-severity fire. The research aimed to (i) compare the effects of plowing, straw mulching, and no intervention (control) on post-fire soil recovery, and (ii) assess the cost-effectiveness and environmental impacts of these treatments. Ten experimental plots were randomly assigned to plowing (n = 4), straw mulching (n = 4), or control (n = 2). Seventeen rainfall events were monitored between 15 days and six months post-fire. Results showed no significant differences in erosion or runoff reduction among treatments. Natural vegetation recovery, assessed visually, was rapid across all plots, with erosion and runoff stabilizing within two months. These findings suggest that, under the specific conditions of this temperate climate and moderate fire severity, early intervention techniques may not be necessary. The study concludes that natural regeneration can be a viable and cost-effective post-fire management strategy in regions with favorable environmental conditions for soil recovery, potentially reducing the need for intensive interventions.

Abstract Forest fires, or wildfires, are expected to increase due to warmer and drier summers caused by climate change. When the forest is on fire, all forest owners are by law responsible to assist the fire and rescue services. Hence, the aim of this study was to describe private forest owners’ experiences of forest fires on their property. In-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed by using qualitative content analysis to describe 20 private forest owners’ experiences of forest fires. The result merged in the overarching theme: “Powerlessness in fighting the forest fire alleviates by togetherness in a desire to help and to be helped”. Meaning, a forest fire is a disaster both in economical and emotional terms, causing destruction to the forest that has been in the private forest owners’ care for generations. The forest owner feels responsibility and expresses an unquestionable will to act. The invaluable support from the local community helps the forest owner to manage this difficult. However, the forest owner expects to be allowed to contribute, therefore, the fire and rescue services need a proactive plan that involves private forest owners to ensure a safe work environment for all involved. In addition, the strong and differentiated network of family and neighbors that mobilize brings strength and local knowledge important to the operation. Though worrying of new forest fires will remain, it is a burden that needs to be taken seriously. A positive outcome is that through collaboration, security and resilience enhances in the local community.

This study explores attitudes and preferences of Finnish non-industrial private forest owners for voluntary temporary forest conservation. The survey data, collected with the best–worst scaling and discrete choice methods, focus on a conservation program that incentivizes forest owners for biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. Forest owners are willing to conserve simultaneously biodiversity and forest carbon. They prefer non-profit organization as implementer of program, suggesting alternative to current implementation of forest conservation by authorities. Forest owners’ interest in forest conservation program increases with shorter contract and higher payment, both aspects being subject to preference heterogeneity. Forest owners differ in terms of the perceived importance of ecological, economic and social aspects of sustainability of forestry. Heterogeneity in attitudes and preferences stems from the size of forest land, gender, freetime home located on forest site, and place of residence.

Palm fruits are important non-timber forest products for rural people's livelihoods in the Amazon region, as many are nutritious foods and have the potential to generate income. However, in Pando, Bolivia, their commercialization is in most cases still underdeveloped. This study aimed to assess the potential of four palm fruits for sustainable commercialization and to identify their related promoting and hindering conditions. The palm fruits studied were açaí (Euterpe precatoria Mart), majo (Oenocarpus bataua Mart), motacu (Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng) and palma real (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.). We gathered data from 14 key informants using semi-structured online interviews, 10 community members using structured interviews, and literature. We analyzed the data with qualitative content analysis and a multi-criteria decision-making method. Açaí has the highest potential due to its high abundance, demand, and specialized institutional support, among others. Majo, with a medium potential, benefited from its similarities with açaí regarding harvesting and processing, but still has technical processing deficiencies. Palma real and motacu had low potential because of low demand and lack of knowledge regarding harvesting and processing. This study demonstrates the importance of considering multidisciplinary factors when assessing sustainable commercialization potentials.