Change in heathland fire sizes inside vs. outside the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, over 50 years of fire-exclusion policy: lessons for REDD+

Over the past 50 years, fire-exclusion policies within Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, have led to a significant reduction in heathland fire sizes compared to areas outside the park. This study reveals that strict fire management has effectively mitigated large-scale fires, offering valuable insights for REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) strategies. Researchers analyzed fire regimes using remote sensing data and field observations, comparing trends inside and outside the park. The findings highlight the potential of protected areas to serve as models for sustainable land management in regions prone to frequent fires.

Johansson, M. U., Senay, S. D., Creathorn, E., Kassa, H., & Hylander, K. (2019). Change in heathland fire sizes inside vs. outside the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, over 50 years of fire-exclusion policy: lessons for REDD+. Ecology and Society, 24(4). https://doi.org/10.5751/es-11260-240426