Mattia Rossi, Martina Mugnaini, Chiara Pratesi
When a tree falls, response time and coordination matter. But how do emergency systems actually work under pressure? This is the perspective explored by TREESURE through interviews with practitioners directly involved in managing tree-related risks across the pilot cities of Cecina, Soria and Brasov.
While policies define roles and procedures, it is in real situations that systems are truly tested. Emergency responders, municipal technicians and risk managers operate in complex environments where decisions must be taken quickly, often with incomplete information and under changing conditions.
Through Task 2.1, TREESURE conducted semi-structured interviews with key actors involved in urban tree risk management, including first and second responders, city officials and local associations. These conversations provided a detailed view of how coordination actually unfolds during and after an incident.
One of the most consistent insights concerns the gap between formal protocols and operational reality. While procedures exist, their application often depends on situational factors such as resource availability, communication flows and the specific characteristics of the event. In practice, coordination tends to be adaptive rather than strictly procedural.
Communication emerges as a central challenge. In emergency situations, multiple actors need to exchange information rapidly and accurately. However, differences in systems, priorities or communication channels can create delays or misunderstandings. This becomes particularly critical when several institutions are involved at the same time.
Another key element is the management of uncertainty. Practitioners frequently have to assess risks based on partial or evolving information, especially during extreme weather events. Decisions must balance safety, feasibility and available resources, often requiring on-the-spot judgement rather than relying solely on predefined guidelines.
Interviews also highlight the importance of experience and informal practices. While official protocols provide a necessary framework, much of the effectiveness of emergency response relies on the knowledge and coordination habits developed over time by practitioners. This tacit knowledge plays a crucial role, particularly in complex or unexpected scenarios.
At the same time, the growing impact of climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme events, putting additional pressure on existing systems. This raises the need for tools that can support faster, more informed and better-coordinated responses.
For TREESURE, these insights are fundamental. They underline the importance of designing solutions that are not only technically accurate, but also aligned with real operational needs. The Decision Support System being developed within the project aims to enhance situational awareness, improve information flow and support coordination between actors during critical moments.
Understanding how practitioners work in real conditions helps ensure that new tools can integrate into existing workflows rather than adding complexity. It also highlights the importance of flexibility, usability and clarity in any system intended to support emergency response.
In the next article, we will look at the broader picture of urban tree management by exploring who the key stakeholders are, how they interact and how decisions are shaped within this complex ecosystem.