Wildfire Research and Governance in Morocco Within a Shifting Mediterranean Context

Abstract

Wildfires are becoming more intense across North Africa, yet research on this topic in Morocco remains limited and uneven despite rising climatic pressure and increasing fire recurrence. This chapter delivers the first bibliometric analysis on Moroccan wildfire studies, examining publication trends, collaboration networks and thematic areas. The most notable progress concerns satellite monitoring, burn-severity evaluation and spatial modelling, while governance, socio-economic vulnerability, institutional coordination, community participation and post-fire restoration are still rarely addressed. Compared with other Mediterranean countries that have developed more integrated and prevention-oriented wildfire systems, Morocco continues to face shortcomings in scientific cooperation, regional integration and links between research and policy. Improving data interoperability and coordinated research strategies will be crucial to support climate-resilient wildfire management in North Africa.