Organizers
This event is being organized by the Wildfire Resilient Landscapes Network (WRLN) of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA) and its European branch, the FIRE-RES Programme coordinated by the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia, and hosted by “la Caixa” Foundation, recent Custodian Member of the CBA supporting the WRLN.
Wildfire Resilient Landscapes Network (WRLN) of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA)
The Wildfire Resilient Landscapes Network (WRLN) is a global initiative of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA) that brings together organisations across sectors—including research institutions, Indigenous and local communities, public bodies, and the financial sector—to address the growing challenge of wildfires.
Launched in 2023 in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the network aims to accelerate the transition toward wildfire-resilient landscapes by combining traditional and Indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge science and innovation.
A core element of WRLN is the development of Living Labs, real-world demonstration sites where partners test and implement solutions such as ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management, and cultural fire practices to reduce wildfire risk.
The network also works to mobilise investment and develop innovative financial mechanisms, including nature-based markets, to support large-scale landscape resilience and long-term sustainable land stewardship.
By connecting knowledge, practice, and finance across regions, WRLN acts as a global platform to scale effective solutions and build resilient, climate-adapted landscapes worldwide.
Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia
The Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC) coordinated the FIRE-RES Programme. CTFC is a public research institution dedicated to advancing knowledge, innovation, and technology transfer in the fields of forest ecosystems, landscape management, and bioeconomy.
CTFC brings together expertise from research, policy, and practice, working with public authorities, private sector actors, and local communities to address major environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and wildfire risk.
A core focus of the centre is the development of solutions for resilient landscapes, including sustainable forest management, wildfire risk reduction, and nature-based approaches that integrate ecological, social, and economic perspectives.
CTFC also plays a leading role in international collaboration. Besides coordinating the FIRE-RES Programme, contributes to global initiatives such as the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, supporting the transition toward resilient, climate-adapted landscapes.
By connecting science, innovation, and on-the-ground implementation, CTFC serves as a key platform to develop, test, and scale solutions that promote sustainable and resilient territories.
FIRE-RES Programme
The FIRE-RES Programme is an international initiative that brings together organisations across sectors—including research institutions, public authorities, businesses, and civil society—to address the growing challenge of extreme wildfires and support the transition toward fire-resilient landscapes and communities.
Building on the Horizon 2020 FIRE-RES project, the Programme serves as an open collaboration platform to advance knowledge, innovation, and cooperation across all phases of wildfire risk management, from prevention and preparedness to response and recovery.
A core element of FIRE-RES is its multi-actor partnership of around 30 organisations which work together to develop and implement collaborative projects, pilot actions, and large-scale demonstration initiatives. This network facilitates knowledge exchange and promotes the uptake of solutions by practitioners, policymakers, businesses, and local communities.
The Programme promotes science-based and nature-positive approaches, integrating research, innovation, and local stakeholder engagement to enhance landscape resilience. It also fosters international cooperation and synergies with complementary initiatives, helping to scale effective solutions across regions.
By connecting actors, knowledge, and on-the-ground action, FIRE-RES acts as a global platform to strengthen capacity, accelerate innovation, and support the development of climate-adapted, wildfire-resilient territories.
“la Caixa” Foundation
The “la Caixa” Foundation is one of Europe’s leading philanthropic organisations, committed to social, environmental, and scientific progress through initiatives that promote sustainable development and societal well-being.
As a Custodian Member of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA), the Foundation plays a key role in advancing the Alliance’s mission to accelerate the transition toward a nature-based, circular bioeconomy. In particular, it actively supports the Wildfire Resilient Landscapes Network (WRLN), contributing to its development as a global platform for collaboration on wildfire resilience.
Through this role, the “la Caixa” Foundation helps to enable international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and innovation, supporting the connection between scientific expertise, local and Indigenous knowledge, and financial mechanisms. Its contribution strengthens the capacity of the WRLN to scale solutions, mobilise investment, and promote long-term, climate-adapted landscape management.
By supporting initiatives such as WRLN, the Foundation reinforces its commitment to addressing climate challenges and fostering resilient, sustainable landscapes and communities worldwide.