FAO Releases New Guidelines to Tackle Increasing Wildfire Threats Amid Climate Crisis

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has issued new guidelines to help countries manage the growing risks of wildfires, which pose significant threats to both people and the environment. The "Integrated Fire Management Voluntary Guidelines: Principles and Strategic Actions" update the FAO's previous guidelines from two decades ago, incorporating new strategies to address the challenges posed by the current climate crisis.

With extreme wildfires projected to become about 50 percent more frequent by the end of the century, climate change factors such as increased drought, higher temperatures, and stronger winds are expected to extend and intensify fire seasons. Currently, approximately 340 million to 370 million hectares of the Earth's surface are burned by wildfires each year. These extreme fires can undermine sustainable development, jeopardize livelihoods, and produce large amounts of greenhouse gases. 

Zhimin Wu, Director of FAO’s Forestry Division, highlighted the need for proactive strategies at the launch of guidelines during the 9th World Forest Week in Rome, stressing the importance of shifting focus from reactive responses to prioritizing prevention and preparedness.

The guidelines advocate for an integrated fire management approach, which includes actions taken long before, during, and after a fire. They highlight the importance of incorporating the knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, whose site-specific insights are invaluable for effective fire management. Their active participation is crucial for preventing wildfires, responding swiftly to outbreaks, and restoring areas affected by severe fires. 

Additionally, the guidelines stress the importance of gender inclusion in fire management, encouraging the adoption of diverse knowledge, innovative management options, and the scaling up of best practices.

Since their first publication nearly 20 years ago, the FAO guidelines have been instrumental in helping many countries develop public policies and training programs. The updated edition is expected to serve as a valuable resource for even more nations.

The release of the updated guidelines coincides with the launch of the Global Fire Management Hub, established by FAO and UNEP in 2023. The Hub aims to unite the global fire management community and strengthen national capacities for integrated fire management. Supported by Canada, France, Germany, Portugal, South Korea, and the United States, the Hub has received nearly $5 million in funding since its inception.

During the side event, the Fire Hub highlighted the critical support from key partners, including the Canadian Forest Service, the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Korea Forest Service through the AFFIRM Mechanism, the Portuguese Agency for Integrated Rural Fire Management, the US Forest Service, and USAID. This funding underscores the global commitment to reducing the adverse impacts of wildfires on society, landscapes, and the climate.