The Fire Hub

Overview

Each year, approximately 340-370 million hectares of land are affected by wildland fires. To address this challenge, it is essential to shift from reactive responses to proactive, prevention-focused measures through integrated fire management.

In May 2023, FAO and UNEP launched the Global Fire Management Hub (Fire Hub) at the 8th International Wildland Fire Conference to bring partners together to strengthen countries' capacities for integrated fire management, aiming to reduce the adverse impacts of wildfires on livelihoods, landscapes and the global climate. A key pillar of the Fire Hub is promoting wildfire-resilient communities through technological and social innovations that integrate science, technology and local and traditional knowledge.

This event aims to explore innovative solutions and collaborative efforts in managing fires more effectively and sustainably. It will provide background on the Fire Hub, its progress so far, and offer a platform for discussion on the path towards integrated fire management globally.

Objectives

• Bring together key partners of the Fire Hub to discuss the promotion and scaling up of integrated initiatives, experiences, and knowledge.
• Understand the importance of integrating traditional knowledge and practices and scientific advancements into fire management strategies.
• Foster collaboration and share best practices to enhance global wildfire resilience and reduce the negative impacts of wildfires on communities and the environment.

Opening remarks

Zhimin Wu
Director, Forestry Division
FAO

Moderator

Amy Duchelle
Senior Forestry Officer and Team Leader
Forests and Climate, FAO Forestry Division

Monique Frison
Director-General, Trade, Economics and Industry Branch
Natural Resources Canada

Katalin Solymosi
Senior Advisor
Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture
Germany

Tiago Oliveira
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Agency for Integrated Rural Fire Management
Portugal

Ana Gabriela Saavedra
Chairperson of the Latin America and Caribbean Forestry Commission
Ministry of Environment
Ecuador

Johann Goldammer
Executive Director
Global Fire Monitoring Centre 

Elizabeth Sellwood
Senior Programme Manager
Environmental Security
United Nations Environment Programme

Jennifer Conje
Director, Forest Management Division
International Tropical Timber Organization