Wildfires are affecting forests, communities and livelihoods in many parts of the world, creating a need for more coordinated approaches to fire management. Integrated fire management (IFM) brings together prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, while recognizing the social, environmental and economic dimensions of fire.
Held as part of the 10th World Forest Week from 28 September to 2 October 2026 and the 28th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Forestry (COFO 28), this event will showcase practical tools, guidelines and regional initiatives that support IFM. It contributes to wider efforts under the Global Fire Management Hub to strengthen knowledge, cooperation and action on fire management, and to support countries and practitioners in applying more integrated and inclusive approaches.
Launching new guidance for community-based fire management
A key highlight of the event will be the launch of the Guidelines on community-based fire management in tropical forest landscapes, led by RECOFTC with support from Tropenbos International, International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), APFNet and the CBFiM Working Group of FAO’s Global Fire Management Hub.
The guidelines are part of the growing body of tools being developed to support more practical and community-based approaches to IFM.
David Ganz, executive director of RECOFTC, will be a featured speaker and will launch the guidelines.
This event is being organized by FAO, RECOFTC, ITTO and Near East Forestry and Range Commission (NENFIRE). It will cover:
- Community-based fire management: Approaches that recognize the role of communities in managing fire
- New guidance and tools: The Guidelines on community-based fire management in tropical forest landscapes and ITTO's Tropical IFM Toolkit
- Digital innovation: New approaches to fire information and decision-making
- Regional initiatives: Experience and collaboration from different regions, including the Near East and North Africa
The ITTO Tropical IFM Toolkit is linked to the Collaborative Partnership on Forests Joint Initiative on IFM in Tropical Forests.