India's Wildfire Management Resolution Adopted At UNEA-7

Key facts

• India's resolution on strengthening global wildfire management was adopted at the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, with wide support from member states.
• The resolution responds to the rising number, scale and intensity of wildfires worldwide and calls for stronger international cooperation, early warning systems and better access to finance for prevention and management.
• Wildfires, once seasonal, have become frequent and prolonged due to climate change and human activities.
• UNEP's global report 'Spreading Like Wildfire' warns that wildfires may increase by 14 per cent by 2030, 30 per cent by 2050 and 50 per cent by 2100 if current trends continue.
• 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.
• The Global Fire Management Hub, set up in 2023 by FAO and UNEP, is 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, along with community-based alert mechanisms.