The Training of Trainers on Dryland Forest Fire Suppression (TOTFFS), jointly organized by AFoCO RETC and the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of Kazakhstan with the support of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, was successfully concluded on 29 August 2025.
Held over two weeks at Kolsai Kolderi National Park in Almaty, the program brought together 23 participants from five AFoCO Member Countries including Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, and Tajikistan. As the first ever forest fire training conducted in Central Asia under the AFoCO FFMA Initiative, the program marked a milestone in strengthening regional capacity and cooperation in forest fire management.
From Classrooms to Field Exercises
As the training entered its second week, the focus shifted from classroom-based sessions to hands-on field exercises. Participants applied scientific knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their technical expertise and decision-making skills.
(from the left: Mr. Choi Wonsang, Mr. Jin Seunghyun, Mr. Sebastien MEUNIER, Mr. Choi Jaehan, Mr. Jeong Jongjin, and Mr. Heo Jun)
Firebreak Construction
Under the guidance of experts from France and the Republic of Korea, participants practiced constructing firebreaks to block fire spread and redirect flames. Using various hand tools, they experienced firsthand the challenges of working in the dry and rocky soils typical of Central Asia’s landscapes. The exercise demonstrated how pre-established firebreaks play a crucial role in slowing down or preventing fire progression, with participants observing clear contrasts between protected and unprotected areas.
Prescribed Burning
Using Drip Torches, participants carried out controlled burns under carefully monitored conditions. They learned to assess wind direction and speed, as well as ground fuel loads, before igniting tactical fires. Through this exercise, they confirmed how prescribed burning helps reduce fuel accumulation and prevent uncontrolled forest fires. Supported by drone and remote sensing technologies, participants also monitored fire behavior in real time, gaining valuable insights into how modern tools can strengthen forest fire prevention and management strategies.
(Mr. Choi Wonsang from the ROK)
(Sebastien MEUNIER from France)
Building a Network of Trainers
A notable highlight of this year’s program was the participation of Mr. Timofey Plotnikov from Kazakhstan, who had previously joined the 2024 TOTFFS in Thailand and the AFoCO STEP MOFA training in France. Having advanced from trainee to trainer, he shared his expertise with fellow participants, illustrating how the TOTFFS framework is fostering a cycle of knowledge transfer and trainer development across Member Countries.
His case demonstrates that AFoCO’s training is not a one-off exercise but rather a sustained process of capacity building that enables countries to develop their own pool of skilled forest fire trainers. This approach ensures that knowledge gained through international collaboration is cascaded down to local levels, creating long-term impact.
Closing Ceremony and Recognition
The two-week program concluded with a Closing Ceremony in Kolsai Kolderi National Park, where all 23 participants were awarded certificates of completion. The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Bakhyt Zhunusov, General Director of Kolsai Kolderi National Park, who commended the participants’ dedication and highlighted the importance of continuous cooperation, training, and knowledge-sharing for strengthening forest fire management in Central Asia.
Advancing the FFMA Initiative
By combining theoretical learning, intensive field practice, and cross-country collaboration, the TOTFFS in dryland has advanced AFoCO’s Forest Fire Management in Asia (FFMA) Initiative. The Initiative seeks to build resilience against the increasing threats of forest fires through capacity building, technology integration, and regional policy dialogue.
2025 TOTFFS in dryland training laid the foundation for a new regional network of fire management professionals in Central Asia, equipping Member Countries with the expertise needed to better protect their forests and communities. Moving forward, AFoCO will continue to expand training opportunities and foster long-term partnerships to strengthen regional cooperation in forest fire management.
Submitted by Kiwon Kim, Program Officer, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team