Dryland and steppe ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable to forest and land fires due to prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, and changing climate conditions. These fires pose significant threats to ecosystems, local communities, and natural resources. Addressing these challenges requires well-trained practitioners who understand dryland fire behavior, apply appropriate suppression techniques, and coordinate effectively under complex field conditions.
In this regard, AFoCO RETC, in collaboration with the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MOEFA), and the Korea Forest Service (KFS), is pleased to invite Member Countries to the “2nd Training of Trainers for Forest Fire Suppression (TOTFFS) in Dryland,” scheduled for 17 to 28 August 2026 at Ile-Alatau National Park, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan.
Organized under the FFMA Initiative, the training will combine classroom-based modules, computer simulation exercises, and field-based practical sessions to strengthen operational readiness in dryland and steppe fire suppression. The program will focus on fire behavior analysis, fire behavior prediction tools, prescribed burning, firebreak construction, and coordinated suppression operations. The training is open to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, and Tajikistan, with each country encouraged to nominate three (3) participants.
As the host country, Kazakhstan may nominate up to ten (10) participants. Participants should be able to communicate in either English or Russian, as both languages will be used throughout the training.
The countries are requested to STRICTLY FOLLOW the nomination criteria:
◎ Health: Physical capability to participate in intensive outdoor and field-based training activities in dryland and mountainous environments.
◎ Professional Experience: At least 5–10 years of relevant field experience in forest fire suppression, particularly in dryland, steppe, or similar ecosystems.
◎ Language and Communication: Participants should be able to communicate in either English or Russian to effectively participate in lectures, practical exercises, and safety briefings.
◎ Relevance: Clear alignment between the training content and the nominee’s current duties and institutional responsibilities.
◎ Commitment: Willingness to actively engage in practical exercises and discussions, and to disseminate acquired knowledge through domestic training or institutional application.
◎ Eligibility: To broaden institutional outreach and expand the pool of qualified national trainers, individuals who previously participated in the 1st Training of Trainers for Forest Fire Suppression (TOTFFS) in Dryland (Kazakhstan, August 2025) are not eligible for this program.
To facilitate preparations, we kindly request that all nominations and participant information be submitted to Mr. Kiwon Kim (Email: [email protected], Tel: +82-2-785-8967) by 17 July 2026.