The years 2004 and 2005 have been catastrophic with regard to forest fires around the Mediterranean.This return of serious fires makes it necessary to consider, on a Euro-Mediterranean scale, the efficiency of policies adopted and how they fit in with planning in the regional territories. These territories are increasingly exposed to the risk of fire for a number of reasons: • Development and poorly controlled development of the countryside. • The extension in both surface area and volume of woodland because of the abandonment of agriculture. • Increasing numbers of summer residents • Increasing visits to sensitive areas Overall objective / Objectif général The Incendi project aims to offer an area for experimentation and improvement of regional policies regarding forest fires, and to organise the basis for a future policy on a Mediterranean scale. It is a topic for cooperation under Structural Funds Objectives 1 and 2 because policies for managing natural risks relate to many areas that form part of these regional programmes. Expected results / Résultats attendus • A higher degree of awareness among young people and the general public about fires (education about risk). • Transfer and improved performance of tools and methods for fire prevention and fighting.• Greater knowledge of forest fire behaviour (based on experience). • Transfer and improved performance of tools and methods for restoring damaged countryside. IMPACTS: • Fewer fires, less burnt countryside and less damage. • Better policies for land planning in the Mediterranean regions. • Control of urban spread and woodland development. • Balance among cultural landscapes. • A common Mediterranean policy on fire risks. • Preservation of biodiversity.