Working group on Forest Fires

Background

During the working session of April 2002, the Committee recommended that the rigid structure of Silva Mediterranea networks be replaced by a more flexible and dynamic setting of working groups on identified items and for a specified time frame. The working group would have a clear mandate, objectives and outputs.

The first Working Groups established were those on Forest Fires and Cork Oak.

Mission of the working group

The Working Group on Forest Fire is led by Spain and coordinated by Dª. Elsa Enríquez Alcalde, Jefa del Área de Defensa Contra Incendios Forestales del Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente (adcif@magrama.es). Spain constitutes the focal point of the International Network on Forest Fire for the Mediterranean Region. The programme of work of the working group on forest fires centres on the following aspects:

1. Establishment of an agreement between FAO and Spain as part of a reinforced programme on forest fire;
2. Drafting of guidelines for bilateral agreements on cooperation in the prevention and control of forest fires; 
3. Decentralized regional database on forest fires in collaboration with the EFFIS.
4. Dissemination throughout the Mediterranean of the daily fire-risk forecasts prepared by EFFIS;
5. Updating of the FAO inventory through bilateral agreements for the promotion of exchanges of technical staff.

Newsletter on Forest Fire Prevention (August 2010) 

Report of the Rhodes Workshop (May 2010) 

Work Plan 2009 - 2012

Powerpoint on Work Plan 2009 - 2012 

Work Plan 2009 - 2012 

Forest Fire are causing increasing international concern

The dramatic events in the region confirm the need to strengthen cooperation. Wildfires had been the major topic of discussion at the Ministerial Meeting and 17th Session ot the Committee on forestry (COFO) in March 2005.

The 2005 forest resources assessment showed a net improvement in Mediterranean forest cover from 2000.