The Mekong-Korea Forest Fire (MKFF) Symposium, held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from November 5 to 7, 2024, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to address one of the most pressing environmental issues in Southeast Asia: forest fires. This event, part of the project “Capacity Building on Enhancing Resilience to Forest Fire, and Local Livelihood and Market Linkages “Capacity Building on Enhancing Resilience to Forest Fire, and Local Livelihood and Market Linkages (AFoCO/032/2022)“, aimed to enhance the resilience of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV) to forest fires, focusing on policy development, community engagement, and capacity building. The symposium served as a platform for ASEAN Member States and international experts to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore strategies for collaborative action. The event underscored the importance of regional cooperation and the integration of modern technologies with traditional knowledge to mitigate fire risks.
The MKFF Symposium was inaugurated by Dr. Lee Yeongjoo – Regional Project Manager and Head of the AFoCO Regional Office for Mekong, who provided an overview of the AFoCO/032/2022 project and the MKFF Symposium. He highlighted the increasing threat of forest fires in the region and the critical need for enhanced policy integration. His remarks set the tone for the event, emphasizing a collaborative approach to address these challenges through shared knowledge and expertise.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo, a leading expert on forest fire management. He discussed the impacts of climate change, noting the extended fire seasons and increased fire intensity observed in recent years. He called for a scientific and data-driven approach, underscoring the importance of robust monitoring systems and evidence-based policy development.
The key remarks were delivered by the representatives of the key players in the region, donor countries and host country respectively including Dr. Kim Tongil – Director of Planning and Operation Division of the AFoCO Secretariat, Dr. Dian Sukmajaya – Senior Officer of Food, Agriculture and Forestry Division of the ASEAN Secretariat, Mr. Kim Hyun Soo – Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Mr. Chan Chesda – Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of the Kingdom of Cambodia. All of them congratulated the MKFF symposium by gathering key stakeholders to discuss and share experience on the policies related to forest fire management and to foster regional cooperation to fight against the growing threats of forest fire. They expressed a common concern that forest fires cause severe impacts to society, economy, and environment particularly in the context of climate change. They called for collaborative actions and committed to jointly develop sound policies with practical solutions to tackle the forest fires.
(left top) Dr. Lee Yeongjoo – Regional Project Manager and Head of the AFoCO Regional Office for Mekong
(right top) Dr. Bambang Hero Saharjo – Professor of Bogor Agricultural University
(left middle) Dr. Kim Tongil – Director of Planning and Operation Division of the AFoCO Secretariat
(right middle) Dr. Dian Sukmajaya – Senior Officer of Food, Agriculture and Forestry Division of the ASEAN Secretariat
(left bottom) Mr. Kim Hyun Soo – Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Cambodia
(right bottom) Mr. Chan Chesda – Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of the Kingdom of Cambodia
Session 1: Effective policy development for forest fire prevention, control and management
The first session explored current policies and strategies across the ASEAN countries for enhancing policy frameworks for forest fire management. The session began with the sharing of forest fire related policies, strategies, and best practices at the country level followed by the regional level to the global level.
Delegates from Cambodia, Lao PDR (online), Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam as well as the Republic of Korea respectively presented their national approaches, highlighting both successes and areas for improvement. Dr. Dian Sukmajaya from the ASEAN Secretariat shared the ASEAN related framework and strategies on forest fire management, stressing out the current strategies and the efforts striving to combat, among other things, climate change, haze pollution, and forest fires. Dr. Johann Georg Goldammer – Director of the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC) based in Germany – virtually shared the global trends on forest fire management focusing on the strategy and policy development and implementation by the international actors.
Key recommendations from this session included enhancing policy enforcement, engaging local community, raising awareness, reinforcing coordination mechanism, increasing funding for training programs, strengthening international cooperation, and leveraging digital tools for more effective monitoring and response.
Session 2: Unlocking opportunities focusing on areas for combatting forest fires.
The second session explored opportunities to combat forest fires by focusing on practical solutions for reducing the risks and impacts of forest fires. Speakers from partner organizations (FAO-RAP, RECOFTC, France MOFA, Forestry Administration, ITTO, and NTFP-EP) presented on diverse topics in their field of expertise and experience vis-à-vis forest fire management and best practices including fire policy and guideline development, traditional knowledge, regional cooperation, capacity building, technology, recovery efforts, and among other things.
Mr. Brett Shields (FAO-RAP) addressed the challenges of policy implementation in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Ms. Marina Tornorsam (RECOFTC) emphasized the value of traditional fire management practices, drawing on centuries of indigenous knowledge.
Mr. Jean-Michel Dumaz (Regional Civil Protection Expert of the France Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs at French Embassy in Singapore) discussed capacity-building programs led by AFoCO and France to support AFoCO member countries.
Mr. Kim Sobon (Forestry Administration of Cambodia)emphasized the development of guidelines for forest restoration and rehabilitation as a key step forward.
Dr. Lee Soo Min (ITTO Secretariat) emphasized the efforts to demonstrate the importance of collaboration, sustainable practices, and community involvement in addressing forest fire, one of the most pressing challenges to tropical forests today.
Mr. Sim Bunthoeun (NTFP-EP) emphasized the ongoing commitment to supporting local communities in forest fire resilience and livelihood improvement.
Mr. Park Suhyun and Ms. Ji Huiyeon (International Interns, AFoCO Secretariat) highlighted the effective use of advanced technology and coordinated command structures in Korea’s forest fire management efforts and showcased a well-organized response involving multiple stakeholders, as well as the importance of technology, communication, and collaboration in tackling large-scale wildfires in the Republic of Korea.
Session 3: Panel Discussion (Way forward for better forest fire resilience and cooperation)
A lively panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Veerachai Tanpipat – Senior Expert of the Upper ASEAN Wildland Fire Special Research Unit of Kasetsart University, provided an opportunity for expert, researcher, donor, and government to reflect on the sessions and propose actionable steps. Before starting the discussion, he noted the importance of drawing insights from regional experts to explore ways to enhance resilience against forest fires, particularly facing climate and socio-economic challenges.
(From left to right)
Dr. Veerachai Tanpipat – Senior Expert of the Upper ASEAN Wildland Fire Special Research Unit of Kasetsart University (Moderator)
Mr. Chan Ponika – Deputy Director General of the Forestry Administration of Cambodia
Ms. Doung Saramany – Senior Program Manager of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
Dr. Bambang Hero Saharjo – Professor of Bogor Agricultural University
Mr. Jean-Michel Dumaz – Regional Civil Protection Expert of the France Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs at French Embassy in Singapore
Key themes included the need for better data sharing, enhanced training for local responders, education for the next expert generation, importance of public education to raise awareness about fire risks, community-led approaches, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
Intersectional Field Trip: Integrating Traditional and Modern Forest Management
Participants embarked on a field trip to the Angkor Archaeological Park, where they observed a unique blend of traditional conservation techniques and modern forestry practices. Local guides demonstrated reforestation efforts, and the use of fire prevention methods rooted in Indigenous knowledge. This visit highlighted the importance of involving local communities in sustainable forest management, displaying a successful model of integrated approaches.
The Mekong-Korea Forest Fire Symposium successfully fostered a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and exploring innovative solutions. The discussions underscored the critical need for coordinated regional action and a commitment to building resilient forest ecosystems. Moving forward, the insights and recommendations from this event will serve as a foundation for enhanced policy development and strategic initiatives across the region.
The symposium concluded with a set of clear, actionable recommendations aimed at improving forest fire management in the region:
- Develop enforceable, comprehensive policies for fire prevention and management.
- Increase capacity-building efforts and training for community-based fire management teams.
- Establish robust data-sharing mechanisms for real-time fire monitoring across borders.
- Invest in advanced technologies, including early warning systems and digital surveillance.
- Engage local communities through participatory approaches, utilizing traditional knowledge.
- Sustainable financing option for the community level to ensure effective forest fire management.
- Strengthen in-country coordination among stakeholders and promote regional and international cooperation for widespread problem solving.
Submitted by AKCF Project Team
