Background Forest fires are the greatest natural threat to the forests of southern Europe. Although fire is an intrinsic disturbance to Mediterranean forests, the abandonment of rural areas, along with measures to eradicate certain species, has led to increased forest cover and biomass undergrowth. These developments are responsible for the emergence of second-generation fire: large forest fires (GIF) or megafires. These megafires result in human casualties, damage to properties, reduced soil fertility and they threaten biodiversity. An average of 500 000 acres are damaged by fire annually in Europe, resulting in large emissions of CO2 and other gases. Looking to the future, IPCC climate change forecasts predict longer dry periods and more periods of strong wind and higher temperatures, and thus an increased risk of large forest fires. European policy promotes the prevention of megafires by encouraging active forest management and silvicultural treatments that reduce the vulnerability of stands to fire. Since 2004, Catalonia has been developing a set of new silvicultural models, called the ORGEST models, which integrate megafire prevention. Objectives The aim of the DEMORGEST project is to prevent the generation and propagation of large forest fires. The project will demonstrate to forest owners (owning 77% of the forestry area of Catalonia) and forest professionals that the proposed ORGEST forestry models are a feasible, viable and easy-to-adopt means of managing forests and protecting them from megafires. The efficiency of these models is greatly enhanced when applied within the framework of a fire prevention plan that covers a large area. Thus, the proposed approach has two main goals: to apply the models in two pilot areas with high fire risk, but different socio-economic characteristics, as a part of a fire prevention plan for two specific massifs; and to demonstrate the application of the ORGEST models in the widest possible number of scenarios, using a network of experimental and demonstrative sites located in seven forest typologies spread across Catalonia. These models can then be transferred to other Mediterranean countries. The main objectives of the project are to: Reduce the vulnerability of Catalan forests to megafires by facilitating the adoption of new silvicultural models by private forest owners and forest professionals; Build the capacity of forest owners and forest professionals on new ways to protect forests from fires; and Raise awareness among the general population, as well as in industrial sectors, on the role of sustainable forest management in the fight against megafires. Expected results: The implementation of actions to protect two forests massifs (south and central areas of Catalonia) against megafires; A reduced probability of megafires in 30% of the mountains that are managed by the forest management tool (IOF); Increased knowledge among 60% of regional forestry agents on multifunctional forestry and silviculture, fire integration and forest production; Increased public awareness of the importance of forest management; New support tools, seven new technical guides and two technical manuals for the practical application of the ORGEST models; The creation of a network of seven permanent sample plots and seven marteloscopes for the subsequent transfer and dissemination of training and silvicultural model itineraries. A marteloscope is a one hectare forest stand where all individual trees are numbered and described by various parameters. It is used to demonstrate numerous aspects of silvicultural activities and to promote awareness of the importance of forest management; and An established, cooperative relationship on fire prevention among international experts and other projects from at least three Mediterranean countries.