Stakeholder perceptions of wildfire management strategies as nature-based solutions in two Iberian biosphere reserves

Increased large and high-intensity wildfires cause socioeconomic ecological impacts, which demand improved landscape management approaches in both societal dimensions are integrated. Engaging society fire requires a better understanding of stakeholder perceptions management. We analyze about wildfire-landscape interactions abandoned rural landscapes southern Europe, how the land should be managed to reduce wildfire hazard ensure long-term supply ecosystem services these fire-prone regions. To do so, structured online questionnaire was sent stakeholders two transboundary biosphere reserves Spain-Portugal. Our analysis also questioned what extent fuel strategies can considered nature-based solutions (NbS) using IUCN standard. Overall, state that support prevention lieu suppression policies. Rural abandonment is perceived as main wildfires, with fires impacting study regions more than recent past, trend they expect continue future absence All suggested strategies, except chemical treatments, were accepted by who perceive positive negative effects on forest services. Transboundary coordination rated inadequate or even nonexistent. did not find differences among sectors reserves, indicating area, there general agreement associated impacts at level. Finally, we showed promoting agricultural livestock uses, modifying species composition increase resistance, introducing herbivores have potential become effective NbS This represents first-step representing base for co-design implementation improve management, contributing their application addressing challenges high fire-risk areas.