Strengthening international collaboration on wildfire strategy
A global meeting of wildfire experts is taking place this week at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome.
According to the FAO, the Global Fire Management Hub Plenary is being held from 10 to 12 June.
It brings together policymakers, Indigenous Peoples, scientists, and technical professionals to coordinate integrated fire management strategies.
The plenary is part of an international effort to improve fire prevention, community engagement, and sustainable land use through shared expertise.
Zhimin Wu, Director of FAO’s Forestry Division, said: “This is not just a meeting, but a call to action.
“By connecting knowledge, experience and innovation across regions, we are building a global community that is better prepared, more resilient, and more united in the face of growing wildfire challenges.”
Focus on integrated fire management
The FAO reported that increasing land use change and the effects of climate change are contributing to more destructive and widespread wildfire activity.
In response, the Global Fire Management Hub was established in 2023 by the FAO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The FAO explained that the hub aims to build capacity for integrated fire management, shifting emphasis away from reactive suppression toward preparedness and prevention.
This week’s sessions in Rome will explore national and regional efforts to adopt this approach.
The FAO said discussions will also address the use of fire in sustainable land management, especially in agricultural and forested areas.
The organisation noted that fire can have a constructive role in some contexts, provided it is managed under appropriate frameworks.
Global participation and regional perspectives
The plenary is being held as a hybrid event, allowing global participation from both in-person and virtual attendees.
According to the FAO, participants are engaging in main sessions and side events focused on topics including community-based fire management, post-fire recovery and emerging data systems.
Speakers at the opening session on 10 June included representatives from FAO, UNEP and the Global Fire Monitoring Center.
Delegates also heard from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and government officials from Brazil, Canada, Germany, the Republic of Korea and Zimbabwe.
The FAO said these contributions help bring a range of geographic and policy perspectives into the discussion.
The aim is to develop locally relevant strategies that benefit from international knowledge exchange.
Building resilient fire governance
The FAO stated that the Fire Hub serves as a network for coordinating multi-sectoral responses to wildfire risk.
It supports national governments and local communities by providing access to guidance, technical tools and regional partnerships.
The FAO explained that this includes promoting risk-informed planning, early warning systems and restoration methods.
A central focus is the importance of working across sectors, including agriculture, forestry, emergency response and land management.
The FAO said collaboration across these areas is necessary to address the complex causes and impacts of wildfires.
By encouraging knowledge-sharing between scientific institutions and local communities, the hub supports inclusive and context-sensitive governance.
Connecting science, practice and tradition
The FAO said that successful fire management depends on a combination of traditional knowledge and modern data.
Through its activities, the Fire Hub aims to connect Indigenous practices, scientific research, and digital innovation.
This approach is intended to ensure that fire governance systems reflect conditions on the ground.
The FAO noted that using a diversity of knowledge systems enables more responsive planning and stronger public engagement.
This week’s plenary includes discussions on how fire data can support decision-making and what role local knowledge can play in shaping adaptive policies.
The FAO said that outcomes from these sessions will help guide the next phase of work for the Fire Hub.
Global fire experts meet to strengthen wildfire management: Summary
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is hosting a wildfire management meeting in Rome from 10 to 12 June.
The event is called the Global Fire Management Hub Plenary.
It brings together global experts, policymakers and Indigenous representatives.
The FAO said the event focuses on integrated fire management.
This approach shifts emphasis from fire suppression to prevention and preparedness.
The Fire Hub was created by the FAO and UNEP in 2023.
It supports countries in developing national and regional fire strategies.
Topics include community-based fire management, fire data, and restoration.
Representatives from Brazil, Canada, Germany, Korea and Zimbabwe are attending.
The FAO said the event helps build cross-sectoral, inclusive responses.