A Collaborative Step Towards Forest Fire Resilience
The STEP MOFA program, hosted in collaboration with AFoCO and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is providing transformative and dynamic learning experiences for forest fire management professionals from Asia. With an atmosphere of enthusiasm and engagement, participants are diving into the theories, tools, and real-world practices that underpin effective forest fire prevention and mitigation strategies.
(Photo) Lecture on Forest Fire Management theory at Montpellier PSL University
Bridging Knowledge and Action
Participants, including fire suppression specialists from the AFoCO Member Countries like Indonesia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Thailand, have expressed their appreciation for the program’s balance between theoretical instruction and hands-on practice. Key learning highlights include:
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Advanced applications like BehaviorPlus and remote sensing techniques have equipped participants with tools for identifying fire hazards and planning mitigation strategies with precision.
- Fire Behavior Modeling: Through tools like BEHAVE and FlamMap, participants are mastering fire behavior prediction, enabling them to better understand and anticipate fire dynamics in various ecosystems.
- Ecosystem Restoration: Classes on sustainable forest management have provided participants with insights into post-fire recovery and ecosystem resilience, drawing on case studies from Canada, Indonesia, and Brazil.
Learning from Global Expertise
The STEP MOFA program features a diverse lineup of international experts, including academics and practitioners from Europe, Indonesia, and beyond. Kathleen Uyttewaal’s lectures on Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) particularly resonated with participants, emphasizing the importance of integrating local knowledge into modern fire management practices.
“This program has been an eye-opener, understanding how traditional fire use can coexist with advanced modeling systems is invaluable for my work back home.” – Mr. Niyaz Zholbarys Arystanuly from Kazakhstan
Immersive Field Experiences
Participants have taken part in several field visits, such as the Perpignan region, where they observed prescribed burns and fuel management techniques in action. The visit to the Nîmes air base allowed them to learn about aerial firefighting coordination and cutting-edge drone applications. These experiences not only demonstrated practical applications of classroom lessons but also highlighted the collaboration required between agencies and local communities during fire emergencies.
“The field trips showed us the real-world application of techniques we learned in class, making the experience unforgettable.” – Mr. Batsukh Battuvshin from Mongolia
Insights on Governance and Community Involvement
Governance and community engagement have emerged as critical themes throughout the training. The program’s sessions on international networks, such as the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and the Global Wildland Fire Network, underscore the importance of cross-border collaboration. Discussions around community-driven solutions, like those seen in Mediterranean fire use traditions, further stress the need for localized, participatory approaches to fire management.
“Collaborating with experts from different countries has broadened my perspective on how governance plays a role in fire management.” – Plotnikov Timofey
“Collaborating with experts from different countries has broadened my perspective on how governance plays a role in fire management.” – Mr. Timofey Plotnikov from Kazakhstan
Looking Ahead: Application and Impact
As the program progresses, participants are already considering how to implement their learnings in their home countries. From refining forest fire risk assessments to fostering community partnerships, the knowledge gained is poised to drive impactful change. One participant reflected, “The practical skills and global perspectives we’ve gained will help us build better strategies and protect our forests more effectively.”
“The tools and strategies we’ve learned here will be essential in addressing fire challenges in my home country.” – Chanpen
“The tools and strategies we’ve learned here will be essential in addressing fire challenges in my home country.” – Ms. Chanpen Kasetsin from Thailand
The STEP MOFA program exemplifies how international cooperation and knowledge exchange can empower professionals to address pressing environmental challenges. As the program draws closer to its conclusion, its participants are leaving not only with new skills but also with a renewed commitment to fostering sustainable and resilient landscapes.
Submitted by Kiwon Kim, Assistant Program Officer, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team
