India’s Wildfire Management Resolution Adopted At UNEA-7
New Delhi: India’s resolution to strengthen global forest fire management was adopted with broad support from member states at the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi on Friday. The Ministry of Environment said in a statement that the decision responded to the increasing number, size and intensity of wildfires around the world and called for stronger international cooperation, early warning systems and better access to finance for prevention and management.
The ministry said forest fires, once seasonal, have become more frequent and longer due to climate change and human activities.
Millions of hectares are affected each year; forests, biodiversity, water resources, soil health, air quality, livelihoods and national economies are affected.
Fires also release large amounts of greenhouse gases and weaken carbon sinks; This has serious consequences for forest-dependent communities.
India highlighted UNEP’s global report “Spreading Like Wildfire”, which warned that if current trends continue, forest fires could increase by 14 percent by 2030, 30 percent by 2050 and 50 percent by 2100.
India emphasized that these forecasts show that forest fires are a long-term, climate-driven global risk that requires urgent and coordinated action.
India also emphasized the need to shift from reactive response to proactive prevention through better planning, early warning and timely risk mitigation measures.
The ministry said global efforts are moving towards integrated fire management based on early warning systems, risk mapping and satellite-based monitoring, supported by local communities and frontline personnel.
India underlined UNEP’s role in helping countries strengthen adaptation to forest fires, develop integrated fire management strategies and restore ecosystems.
In addition, the Global Fire Management Center, established by FAO and UNEP in 2023, was recognized as an important mechanism for international cooperation.
India’s resolution calls for stronger cooperation to develop early warning systems, risk assessment tools and satellite and ground-based monitoring, as well as community-based warning mechanisms.
It also aims for enhanced regional and global cooperation for prevention, post-response recovery and ecosystem restoration.
Other provisions include platforms for information sharing and capacity building, support for countries developing integrated fire management plans, and assistance in preparing proposals for access to international financing through multilateral mechanisms.
The ministry said India reiterates its commitment to work closely with UNEP, member states and international partners to strengthen preparedness, prevention and resilience against increasing forest fire risks.
