Flood-Fire Interplays in Wetlands: The Rising of an Actionable Field of Study

Abstract

Floods and fires are part of the ecological regime in many wetlands, yet their interconnectedness is poorly explored. Climate extremes, such as droughts and heatwaves, are increasing fire frequency and intensity, while changing rainfall patterns make floods more unpredictable. These events shape wetland physiognomy, species composition, and functioning. Different wetlands experience varying fire exposure; seasonally inundated grasslands burn almost annually, whereas tropical forests rarely catch fire. Some wetlands are more resilient to fire, drought, and floods than others. Communities dependent on wetlands possess ecological knowledge that supports adaptation, enhancing ecosystem resilience. Though often studied separately, floods and fires in wetlands are interrelated. In addition to environmental aspects, social, cultural and associated traditional knowledge dimensions must be included in conservation processes for these environments. A holistic understanding is crucial for conservation. Researchers from sixteen countries propose a new field of study on flood-fire interactions to improve wetland management and sustainability.