Silva Mediterranea - Forest fires working group
BackgroundDuring the working session of April 2002, the Committee recommend 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 Forest Fire and Cork oak and after Land Use and sustainable forest management and more recently Future of Silva Mediterranea. | See alsoOther working groups |
Working group on forest fire
The Working Group on Forest Fire is led by Spain. 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:
- Establishment of an agreement between FAO and Spain as part of a reinforced programme on forest fire.
- Drafting of guidelines for bilateral agreements on cooperation in the prevention and control of forest fires.
- Decentralized regional database on forest fires in collaboration with the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).
- Dissemination throughout the Mediterranean Region of the daily fire-risk forecasts prepared by EFFIS currently sent to the EU countries.
- Updating of the FAO inventory through bilateral agreements for the promotion of exchanges of technical staff.
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.
The working group on forest fire should propose an agreement with FAO to prepare a reinforced programme of work that takes into account the recent recommendations of COFO and the Misnisterial Meeting on Forests.