The AFoCO Secretariat proudly participated in the 3rd Mekong–Korea Forest Fire Symposium (MKFFS), held from 25 to 27 November 2025 in Pakse, Lao PDR. Convened with support from the ASEAN–ROK Cooperation Fund, the symposium successfully brought together government officials, technical experts, and practitioners from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV) to strengthen vital regional cooperation in forest fire management.
This year’s symposium placed a strong emphasis on advanced field practices and the Training of Trainers (ToT) model, reflecting ongoing efforts under the regional project, “Capacity Building on Enhancing Resilience to Forest Fire and Local Livelihood and Market Linkages.” The intensive program was designed to significantly enhance the technical capacity of frontline officers, promote critical knowledge-sharing among CLMV countries, and support the development of more resilient forest ecosystems and communities.
The 3rd MKFF Symposium was officially opened by Dr. Lee Yeongjoo, Regional Project Manager and Head of the AFoCO Regional Office for Mekong. Dr. Lee underscored the critical role of capacity building in strengthening forest fire suppression across the region. He emphasized that well-trained trainers can create a significant, long-lasting impact in their respective countries, especially when continuous learning, practical field application, and AFoCO’s extensive regional network work together to reinforce the knowledge and skills gained through the program.
The three-day event combined technical indoor sessions with hands-on field exercises, enabling participants to deepen their expertise and strengthen their capacity to become forest fire management specialists. Throughout the program, participants shared updates on national forest classification systems, new fire-suppression approaches, and operational challenges encountered in the field. They also engaged in constructive discussions on enhancing early warning systems, improving cross-border coordination, and integrating community participation into effective fire management strategies.
Day 1: Science-Based Approaches
The first day featured indoor technical sessions led by experts from France, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand, covering fire behavior analysis, fire investigation methods, and fire prediction and forecasting tools. These sessions highlighted the importance of science-based approaches in improving preparedness and decision-making.
- (Left photo) Mr. Vincent Pairault, Lieutenant Colonel, French MOFA, introduced the Campbell Prediction System (CPS), a practical tool for using field fire-behavior observations to guide suppression strategies and tactics.
- (Right photo) Dr. Veerachai Tanpipat, Senior Expert at Kasetsart University’s Upper ASEAN Wildland Fire Special Research Unit, explained the use of satellite and IoT-based systems in forecasting and predicting fire spread.
Day 2: Hands-On Field Exercises
Participants engaged in a comprehensive hands-on field exercise designed to strengthen practical fire-suppression skills. The training included assessing wind and slope conditions, understanding weather impacts, predicting fire behavior, establishing safety zones, and operating essential firefighting and water-based suppression equipment. The field component provided a valuable opportunity for participants to apply techniques in realistic scenarios and enhance coordination among country teams.
- (Left photo) Mr. Jin Seunghyeon demonstrated real-drill fire investigation techniques used in Korea and discussed their applicability in the CLMV context.
- (Right photo) Participants familiarizing themselves with the fire truck donated by AFoCO to the Forest Department of Lao PDR.
Final Day: Action Plans and Future Collaboration
The symposium concluded with a comprehensive round of country-level reflections and the formulation of follow-up action plans tailored to each nation’s unique context. Participants distilled key lessons learned throughout the program and highlighted priority areas for future engagement, including strengthening institutional capacities, enhancing community-based fire management, and improving inter-agency coordination. The session provided a constructive platform for countries to reaffirm their commitments, share practical strategies, and align next steps toward more resilient and collaborative forest fire management across the region.
AFoCO’s participation in the MKFFS underscores its continued commitment to supporting member countries in strengthening forest resilience, enhancing regional knowledge-sharing networks, and advancing long-term forest fire prevention and response capacities. As climate-related risks intensify across the region, AFoCO remains steadfast in promoting practical, collaborative, and science-based solutions that safeguard forest ecosystems and protect the livelihoods of communities throughout Asia.
Submitted by AKCF Project Team