Rome - Iran has called for a comprehensive shift in forest fire management from reactive firefighting to prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, early warning, rapid response and post-fire recovery.

 

Reza Aflatooni, Deputy Agriculture Minister and head of Iran’s Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, made the call during the second day of the 28th session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO 28), which focused on strengthening global action on forest fires through integrated fire management.

 

He said the rising frequency and intensity of forest fires amid climate change underscored the need for a more proactive approach. He highlighted Iran’s efforts to improve the deployment of firefighting equipment and personnel, strengthen early detection and ensure timely reporting to make better use of the critical initial window for containing fires.

 

He also stressed the importance of training, public awareness and the active involvement of communities living in and around forest areas, saying local communities can play a vital role in early detection, prevention and initial response.

 

Aflatooni identified three priorities for Iran: integrating forest fire management into land and watershed management; recognizing local communities as key partners in prevention, preparedness and initial response; and expanding developing countries’ access to affordable technologies, financial resources, scientific cooperation and technology transfer.

 

He called on FAO and the Global Fire Management Hub to facilitate the exchange of best practices, particularly on early warning, rapid response and community-based fire management.

 

Aflatouni said Iran is ready to share its experience and expertise in forest fire management with other countries.