November 19, 2024 – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Addressing the urgent need for regional collaboration on forest fire management, Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo, a leading expert in forest and environmental fire science from IPB University, delivered a powerful keynote speech at the Mekong-Korea Forest Fire Symposium (MKKF) 2024 held at the Sokha Siem Reap Palace Hotel, Cambodia.
With the theme “Policy and Regional Cooperation for Forest Fire Management in Southeast Asia,” the symposium brought together stakeholders from across the ASEAN region and Korea to strengthen joint strategies against the rising threat of wildfires.
Forest Fires and Climate Change: A Wake-Up Call
In his keynote presentation titled “Fires in Southeast Asian Countries,” Prof. Bambang highlighted the connection between forest and land fires and their contributions to global climate change, emphasizing that emissions from such fires are a significant driver of greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere.
“Forest and land fires are not just national issues—they are regional and global concerns,” said Prof. Bambang. “This crisis requires coordinated action among ASEAN countries through shared knowledge, joint training, and policy alignment.”
As the Executive Director of the Regional Fire Management Resource Center – Southeast Asia (RFMRC-SEA), Prof. Bambang also presented a comprehensive overview of the current fire landscape in Southeast Asia and discussed progress in mitigation and cooperation initiatives.
Regional Solutions Through Global Partnerships
The symposium showcased several collaborative efforts already underway. These include joint research initiatives with American universities, funded by NASA, and the establishment of RFMRC-SEA, supported by the German government and backed by the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC) and the Max Planck Institute of Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Germany.
Looking ahead, Prof. Bambang announced a major upcoming initiative:
From 2025 to 2030, IPB University will host regional training programs using an advanced Fire Simulator, a state-of-the-art tool donated by the French government. This training will bring ASEAN representatives to IPB University, the only institution in the region equipped with such technology, to enhance fire prediction and management skills.
Tropical Forest Fires: A Growing Concern
Forest fires in tropical regions, driven by land-use changes and shifting demographics, have become increasingly frequent and severe. Despite centuries of study and investment, the length and intensity of fire seasons continue to rise globally, propelled by climate change and escalating greenhouse gas emissions.
Recognizing this growing threat, MKKF has emerged as a vital platform for dialogue and coordination. First launched in 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, the initiative aims to provide consistent, annual forums for countries to assess, share, and improve forest fire management strategies.
What’s Next for MKKF?
The 2024 symposium aims to produce concrete outcomes, including:
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A synthesis of current policies on fire prevention and control across ASEAN and Korea
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Recommendations for developing effective national policies and strategies for forest fire management
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Priority action areas to combat wildfires in specific regions
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Proposals for regional cooperation mechanisms to build fire resilience across Southeast Asia
Prof. Bambang’s presence and insights underscore Indonesia’s strong commitment to forest protection and its leadership role in addressing environmental challenges in the ASEAN region.