The main objective of the ESCIB project is to support the sustainability of the bio-based economy in Europe. To achieve this, ESCIB will develop assessment methodologies and thus contribute to the standardisation of such methodologies. The aim is to develop a comprehensive, robust and fully operational methodology to assess the sustainability of bio-based systems at various technology-readiness levels (TRLs). This methodology is based on a holistic life-cycle approach to evaluate the environmental impacts and circularity along bio-based value chains. Potential socio-economic trade-offs will be addressed and included in the methodology. ESCIB’s integrated way of analysing environmental and circularity impacts along bio-based value chains is also fully in line with the ambition of the European Green Deal (EGD) and the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP). With the involvement of five innovative industry partners in the consortium, which produce bio-based products in different sectors, ESCIB will ensure high applicability of the method which can be used by certification organisations to label and certify products for the benefit of consumers and society. Finally, the results will give orientations for research and innovation programmes in the bio-based sectors.

In line with increasing demands for more public participation, transparency and fairness in risk management institutions and procedures, FIRELOGUE aims to coordinate and support the Innovation Actions (IAs) by integrating their findings across stakeholder groups and fire management phases. It therefore builds on different formats to process the existing WFRM knowledge and innovations as developed by the IAs to translate them into the FIRELOGUE platform. The FIRELOGUE platform ? together with Communication Booster services such as brokering expertise ? will disseminate the insights and technologies developed by the IAs and integrated by the FIRELOGUE project. In addition to developing dedicated knowledge sharing formats for the exchange between the IAs, FIRELOGUE also aims to (1) deconstruct conflicting (and synergising) aims, interests, mandates, policies and practices existing in WFRM, (2) identify real or perceived injustices linked to these conflicts, (3) provide a space for deliberating on these conflicts and synergies in a just and inclusive way, in order to (4) co-develop integrated strategies to overcome these conflicts. FIRELOGUE builds on an Integrated Systems Thinking approach to bind the IAs together while comprehensively addressing the different components of wildfire risk (hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capabilities ) as well as the diverse natural and socioeconomic drivers of risk. Building on the concept of Just Transition, different notions of justice (distributive, procedural and restorative justice) will form the basis for structuring the discussions within and across the working groups. Collaborative governance will build the conceptual underpinning for designing the dialogue workshops and to eventually co-develop integrated WFRM strategies.

FIREURISK will develop, evaluate and disseminate a science-based integrated strategy to: 1) expand current wildland fire risk assessment systems, including critical factors of risk previously not covered; 2) produce effective measures to reduce current fire risk conditions, and 3) adapt management strategies to expected future climate and socio-economic changes. This will be achieved in close collaboration between researchers, stakeholders and citizens, integrating novel technologies, guidelines and policy recommendations to improve current systems and practices from regional to EU scales. The project will address all wildfire types, with particular focus on mega-fires, the Wildland Urban Interface and fire challenges in the Northern EU. A risk-centred management strategy will integrate wildfire prevention, suppression and restoration practices and policies in a holistic conceptual framework, and implement an operational platform that supports joint coordination, professional training and operational exercises, involving multiple stakeholders and addressing all relevant wildfire management tasks, to improve protection of citizens exposed to wildfires. FIREURISK will (a) model socio-economic issues and human activity influencing fire ignition, vulnerability and exposure, (b) evaluate the impact of National and EU policies on land use change, rural economy and development, in context of expected future fire regime changes, and (c) consider potential cascading effects linked to wildfire situations. This will allow FIREURISK to deliver innovative risk-informed regional planning approaches that are effective in increasing the resilience of local communities, ensuring safety and enhancing protection of assets and economic activity. The resulting advances in fire risk reduction will be linked to innovative organisational and efficient business models that promote cost-effective bio-economy and nature-based solutions.