The Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) successfully convened the first Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting of the Forest Fire Management in Asia (FFMA) Initiative at AFoCO Secretariat, Seoul, Republic of Korea on 22 September 2025. The meeting marked a significant milestone in establishing the governance framework of the Initiative and reaffirmed AFoCO’s central role in coordinating regional action to address the growing risks of forest fires in Asia.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MOEFA) and the Korea Forest Service (KFS), alongside AFoCO. Together, participants reviewed the achievements of the pilot phase and set the strategic direction for the Initiative’s main phase.
Reviewing the Pilot Phase
Since its launch in 2023, the FFMA Initiative has been piloted under AFoCO’s coordination, laying the foundation for long-term cooperation. Training programs were conducted in diverse ecosystems across Asia, combining classroom sessions with practical field exercises. In parallel, AFoCO has initiated advanced education programs, including an intensive training program in France and the launch of master’s degree in forest fire management, as well as early steps toward collaborative research and policy exchange. These activities have helped establish AFoCO as a regional hub that connects expertise, builds capacity, and fosters knowledge sharing across AFoCO Member Countries and international partners.
Endorsing the Five-Year Plan
During the meeting, the PSC endorsed FFMA’s Five-Year Consolidated Work Plan (2026–2030). The plan outlines a comprehensive approach to forest fire management, encompassing training, higher education, applied research, and policy dialogue. It envisions strengthening AFoCO Member Countries’ capacities in prevention, suppression, and post-fire recovery while ensuring that the Initiative contributes to broader climate adaptation and sustainable forest management goals.
Looking Ahead
Starting in 2026, AFoCO, in partnership with the French MOEFA and the Korea Forest Service, will lead the roll-out of annual training and education programs, research fellowships, and policy symposiums aimed at building practical skills and strengthening governance across the region. The Committee also noted that the official launch of the FFMA main phase will take place at AFoCO’s upcoming 13th Session of the Assembly in October 2025, highlighting the Initiative’s transition from pilot activities to full-scale implementation.
Reaffirming AFoCO’s Leadership
At the conclusion of the PSC meeting, representatives from French MOEFa and the KFS expressed appreciation for AFoCO’s leadership in coordinating the Initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing FFMA in partnership with AFoCO. Through the PSC, AFoCO has consolidated its role as the central coordinating body for forest fire management in Asia, ensuring that Member Countries benefit from sustained training, advanced education, and innovative research. The Initiative is set to become a cornerstone of regional cooperation, supporting resilient forests, ecosystems, and communities across Asia.
Submitted by Kiwon Kim, Program Officer, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team