This review and assessment of the role of international partners (UN and non-UN) in international cooperation in fire management concentrates on themes and disciplines that require a cooperative and collective approach. As mentioned in the introduction, most of the agencies or institutions have previously been involved in fire projects and programmes. However, only a few action items included in this review have matured into concrete project proposals or actions.
Availability of financing for implementation of the strategic actions and of the coordinated action suggested in this review is essential. Apart from some existing mechanisms for financing projects on a limited scale that were mentioned in the review, there has been no intent to speculate about larger financing schemes. However, the World Bank, regional and subregional development banks and other multilateral financial institutions mentioned in Annex 1 (Table 1.1) – many involved in financing fire management projects in the past – may become important partners in a wildland fire management programme facility, as proposed in this review (see Chapter 2, Table 2).
Active follow-up to the review will be crucial to the success of coordinated and collective international action. Such follow-up can be effected through the UN-ISDR Wildland Fire Advisory Group and the members of the envisaged “partnership to maintain and implement the principles and strategic actions” – one of the four pillars of the strategy to enhance international cooperation in fire management. It is assumed that, in addition to nations, the governmental and non-governmental institutions participating in the UN-ISDR Regional Wildland Fire Networks will be interested and available to serve as partners.
