In late October 2023, the Community-based Fire Management (CBFiM) project, supported by the USDA Forest Service, hosted a regional learning lab event in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The event brought together fire experts, RECOFTC staff and stakeholders from the four CBFiM focus countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
The learning lab served as a platform for a valuable exchange of knowledge and strategies on integrated fire management and CBFiM principles. Participants delved into the status and applications of these principles across the diverse landscapes of the focus countries. The event marked a significant milestone for the CBFiM project, being the first regional knowledge-sharing initiative of its kind.
The CBFiM project aims to reduce the frequency and intensity of forest fires and enhance resilience to climate change impacts in biodiversity-rich countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The project is moving fast, building on previous investments by RECOFTC, the Forest Service and others.
Country coordinators and RECOFTC country teams led a comprehensive review of distinct fire management strategies, challenges and collaborative efforts across several countries. Each country presented its unique approach: Cambodia emphasized the role of local communities and governments in managing fires in their inundated forests and fisheries. Lao PDR showcased the proactive involvement of both military and community groups. Thailand highlighted the coordination among its extensive network of 28 government agencies in fire management. In contrast, Viet Nam focused on its innovative Payment for Forest Environmental Services policy, which bolsters local forest management initiatives.
Fire experts, including Dr. David Ganz, Dr. Kobsak Wathongchai and Dr. Veerachai Tanpipat, led sessions that highlighted global challenges, fire behavior and scientific relevance. They emphasized the need for collaboration, education and policy, and introduced the 5 R’s framework of integrated fire management – review and analysis, risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery. Each 'R' was contextualized into country and sub-national scenarios.
The event also explored various fire management technologies and the conditions necessary for effective CBFiM implementation. Participants delved into the root causes and solutions to forest fires across different scales through sessions dedicated to value chain analysis of forest fire causes and the use of satellite data for actionable intelligence.
A field trip to community sites in Chiang Mai offered firsthand insights into successful fire management practices and ongoing challenges. This visit facilitated knowledge exchange across countries and showcased innovative fire management processes.
The learning lab played a crucial role in aligning understanding and fostering collaborative approaches to address fire management challenges in the CBFiM focus countries. Participants left with enhanced knowledge and increased confidence, ready to implement robust CBFiM strategies in their respective countries.
