Workshop: Wildfire Resilience and Biomass Supply

Workshop organized by IEA Bioenergy Task 43 and Université Laval

Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023. Time: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Format: Hybrid workshop – In-person attendance is required participate to in the full workshop. Morning sessions are available online.

Location: Pavillon Charles-Eugène Marchand, salle Hydro-Québec, Université Laval, 325 Rue de l’Université, Québec, QC G1V 0A6

Online participation: link for Zoom registration

Admission: Free

Contact: Bruno Gagnon, bruno.gagnon@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca; Évelyne Thiffault, Evelyne.Thiffault@sbf.ulaval.ca

Workshop Description: Given the intense fire season in 2023 in Canada and other countries, there is an urgent need to increase efforts to enhance wildfire resilience while promoting a sustainable and reliable biomass supply. Biomass recovery from wildfire prevention and mitigation treatments, such as thinnings, as well as post-fire harvest activities, involving the sustainable extraction of biomass from wildfire-affected areas, have the potential to serve as a source of biomass. Nevertheless, several factors, such as the difficulties and risks posed by terrain and conditions in recently burned areas, can be challenging to manage.

This workshop will serve to share insights and best practices that can inform policies to enhance community resilience against wildfires and promote sustainable biomass supply. The workshop will address the financial viability of collecting biomass for bioenergy/bioproducts to offset wildfire mitigation and restoration costs. Participants will explore policies and projects for wildfire resilience and a sustainable biomass supply chain that can contribute to reduced GHG emissions.

Agenda

The workshop presentations can be accessed here.