UNEA adopts India’s proposal on global wildfire management
Context and Development
At the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, India’s resolution on strengthening wildfire management was formally adopted.
The resolution is titled “Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires.”
Core Objectives of India’s Proposal
Calls for a shift from reactive firefighting to proactive prevention.
Emphasises:
Early-warning systems
Improved risk assessments
Enhanced global cooperation and preparedness.
Rationale
India highlighted the “cascading ecological, economic and social impacts” of modern wildfires, including:
Rapid spread due to climate change
Ecosystem disruption
Economic losses
Threats to life and infrastructure.
India drew attention to UNEP’s global report ‘Spreading Like Wildfire’, which warns that wildfires may rise by 14% by 2030, 30% by 2050 and 50% by 2100, if current trends continue.
Global Fire Management Hub:
The Global Fire Management Hub (Fire Hub) was launched in May 2023 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the 8th International Wildland Fire Conference.
Its purpose is to help countries shift from reactionary firefighting to integrated wildfire prevention and management.
It brings together partners to strengthen capacities for integrated fire management at global, national and community levels.
The hub supports:
knowledge and data sharing
capacity building
fire risk assessment and early warning
wildfire-resilient communities
policy support.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to UNEA-7, consider the following statements:
India’s wildfire resolution focuses primarily on proactive prevention rather than reactive response.
The resolution was adopted at the United Nations Environment Assembly held in Nairobi.
The proposal calls for the creation of a global fund for wildfire compensation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. There is no mention of a wildfire compensation fund.
Q. The Global Fire Management Hub was launched in:
A. 2018 during the Katowice Climate Conference
B. 2023 at the 8th International Wildland Fire Conference
C. 2021 at the UNFCCC COP26
D. 2025 during UNEA-7
Answer: B
Explanation: The Global Fire Management Hub was launched by FAO and UNEP in May 2023 at the 8th International Wildland Fire Conference.
Q. Which of the following statements about the Global Fire Management Hub is/are correct?
It was established to promote a shift from reactive firefighting to integrated wildfire management.
It is a mechanism of FAO and UNEP.
It exclusively focuses on funding firefighting equipment for developed countries.
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct; statement 3 is incorrect because the hub focuses on integrated prevention and capacity building globally, not only on firefighting equipment for developed countries.