From August 12 to 14, 2024, the AFoCO Secretariat successfully convened the AFFIRM Regional Workshop on Integrated Fire Management at Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun in Seoul, South Korea. This significant event brought together experts and delegates to discuss and enhance wildfire management practices in the Mekong region.
The AFFIRM Project, funded by the Republic of Korea and led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), addresses critical natural threats such as wildfires, diseases, and climate impacts that compromise forests’ ability to store carbon and support local communities. The workshop gathered 4 delegates each from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Thailand, along with 10 representatives from FAO, 8 from the Korea Forest Service (KFS), 1 from the National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS), and 6 from AFoCO Secretariat.
The primary objective of the workshop was to gather high-level insights into the key challenges faced by participating countries and to inform delegates about the technical and value-adding features of the AFFIRM Project. The event also aimed to foster regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices in forest fire management.
Over the course of the first two days, participants engaged in presentations and discussions on various topics. These included the Global Fire Management Hub, Korea’s Forest Fire Management Policy, and AFoCO’s forest fire management projects. Additionally, representatives from NIFoS, RECOFTC, and KFS presented in-depth content on Korea’s advances in forest fire research, community-based fire management, and the analysis of forest fire patterns, particularly the East Coast Concentration. The sessions were followed by comprehensive discussions, providing a platform for participants to exchange ideas and experiences.
On the final day of the workshop, participants visited the Forest Aviation Headquarters in Gangwon Province. This field visit offered hands-on learning experiences, allowing delegates to observe Korea’s advanced integrated forest fire management techniques in action. The insights gained from this visit will help participants adapt these techniques to their national contexts, contributing to the development of more effective and sustainable fire management systems in their respective countries.
The three-day workshop culminated in a deeper understanding of the current legislative and institutional frameworks for fire management across the participating countries. Participants identified areas for improvement and opportunities for regional collaboration. The knowledge shared during the event equipped delegates with practical tools and strategies to enhance fire prevention and mitigation efforts in their home countries, marking a significant step forward in the collective fight against wildfires in the region.
Submitted by Ms. Minyoung Jeong, Assistant Program Officer
