The Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), in collaboration with the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of Kazakhstan, with the support of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MOFA), officially launched the Training of Trainers on Forest Fire Suppression in Dryland on 18 August 2025 at Kolsai Kolderi National Park in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The two-week training program, running from 18 to 29 August, convenes participants from five (5) AFoCO Member Countries, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, and Tajikistan for an intensive learning experience tailored to the unique challenges of dryland and mountainous forest fire suppression. Organized as a flagship activity under the AFoCO Forest Fire Management in Asia (FFMA) Initiative, this course marks AFoCO’s first fire management training held in Central Asia, underscoring its strategic focus on high-risk regions.
the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of Kazakhstan and Korea Forest Service
Training of Trainers on Forest Fire Suppression in Dryland
Opening Ceremony at Kolsai Kolderi National Park
The training provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical lectures, simulation-based exercises, and hands-on field practice, equipping participants with advanced skills in fire behavior analysis, suppression tactics, portable pump operations, fireline construction, and prescribed burning. It also emphasizes the use of GIS, satellite, and UAV-based fire detection and promotes inter-agency coordination to strengthen collective response to forest fires.
(Master of Ceremony: Kiwon Kim, Capacity Building and Evaluation Team)
Opening Ceremony: A Strong Commitment to Regional Cooperation
The Opening Ceremony welcomed representatives from AFoCO, Kazakhstan, and France, reaffirming the shared vision of building stronger regional capacity in forest fire management.
Dr. Tongil Kim, Director of the AFoCO Secretariat, opened the ceremony by highlighting the growing threat of forest fires in Asia, citing Kazakhstan’s nearly 300 forest fires in 2024. Dr. Kim emphasized that the training is a core activity under the FFMA Initiative, designed to build a multiplier effect as participants return home to replicate knowledge through national training programs.
Mr. Daniyar Turgambayev, Chairman of the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of Kazakhstan, stressed that “it is easier to prevent a fire than to put it out,” underlining the importance of knowledge, discipline, and willingness to act. He reminded participants that the skills gained during the training are not just technical tools, but life-saving capacities that protect forests and future generations.
Mr. Vincent Pairault, Lieutenant Colonel of the French MOFA, reflected on the changing nature of forest fires in the context of climate change, noting that “fires today are not the same as when I began my career.” He emphasized the need to adapt, share experiences with an open mind, and pass on improved methods to younger firefighters. He called the program a responsibility to build the future of fire suppression with dedication and high standards.
Mr. Yermek Mombayev, Deputy Head of the Department of Emergency Situations of Almaty Region, highlighted that over 95% of forest fires in the region are caused by human activities. He expressed hope that the training would provide valuable experience to forestry workers and strengthen local and international collaboration in fire management.
Mr. Bakhyt Zhunusov, Director of Kolsai Kolderi National Park, warmly welcomed participants on behalf of the host venue. He emphasized that protecting forests and ecosystems is a responsibility to future generations, and that the preparation of skilled trainers during this program would serve as a guarantee of safety and sustainability in the future.
Training Declaration & Plaque Presentation
During the ceremony, a participant representative from Kazakhstan delivered the Training Declaration, pledging on behalf of all participants to learn, share, and lead forest fire management efforts in their home countries.
AFoCO also presented a Plaque of Appreciation to the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of Kazakhstan, recognizing its invaluable support and collaboration in co-hosting this important regional training.
to the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of Kazakhstan
Technical Focus and FFMA Alignment
Throughout the two weeks, participants will take part in modules on fire dynamics, suppression tactics, and simulation-based scenario training, and will engage in intensive field workshops to apply suppression strategies and prescribed burning techniques in real-world environments.
The program also aims to produce concrete outputs, including a comprehensive training module for dryland fire suppression and a policy-oriented training report that captures lessons learned and recommendations for national and regional forest fire strategies.
By fostering a regional network of trainers, the program directly advances the FFMA Initiative’s goal of building a sustainable and cooperative forest fire response system across Asia.
Toward Safer Forests and Stronger Regional Preparedness
As the first AFoCO forest fire training hosted in Central Asia, this program represents a milestone in deepening cooperation with Kazakhstan and other countries and reinforcing collective resilience in the face of escalating forest fire risks in dryland and mountainous regions.
AFoCO remains committed to delivering targeted, practical, and inclusive training programs under the FFMA Initiative, ensuring that Member Countries are better equipped to safeguard forests, biodiversity, and communities across Asia.
at Saty Cultural Center of Kolsai Kolderi National Park in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Submitted by Kiwon Kim, Program Officer, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team