global efforts towards international cooperation and collaboration in Wild-land fire management.

Spotlight on Global Wildland Fire Management: A Call for International Cooperation

In a recent presentation on the global stage, Gordy Sachs, Chief of All Hazard & International Fire Support with the U.S. Forest Service, offered a powerful vision for the future of wildland fire management. As an influential voice in the field, Gordy highlighted the growing need for international cooperation and a shift from traditional fire suppression methods to a more integrated approach that embraces both the benefits and risks of wildfire.

Embracing Integrated Fire Management

Gordy began by introducing Integrated Fire Management (IFM) as a forward-thinking approach that evaluates wildfire's complex role in our ecosystems. Unlike traditional suppression-focused methods, IFM recognizes the beneficial aspects of wildfire while working to minimize harmful impacts on communities. Gordy emphasized that as wildfires increase in intensity and duration, we need fire management strategies that consider ecological, social, and economic factors. His message was clear: wildland fire management must evolve to address today's interconnected, borderless challenges.

The Landscape Fire Governance Framework: Building a Foundation for Global Cooperation

One of the cornerstone topics of Gordy's presentation was the Landscape Fire Governance Framework—a structure for fostering international and cross-border collaboration. He explained how this framework goes beyond fire suppression, covering essential areas like training, qualification programs, and pre- and post-fire management activities. Through these elements, the framework supports the sharing of best practices globally, empowering countries to learn from each other and to develop solutions that protect ecosystems while safeguarding communities. Gordy's advocacy for this collaborative framework reflects his commitment to a future where countries work together, sharing knowledge to address the complexities of wildland fire.

Introducing the United Nations’ Global Fire Management Hub

A highlight of the presentation was Gordy's introduction of the United Nations’ Global Fire Management Hub. This initiative, as he described, has the potential to reshape fire management on an international level, strengthening countries’ capacities to implement IFM. With goals that include reducing the adverse impacts of wildfires on people, landscapes, and the global climate, the Hub aims to:

• Develop and expand multi-national networks and resource centers to foster collaboration and innovation at the regional level.

• Set international standards and guidelines for IFM and landscape fire governance.

• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the global wildland fire profession.

Gordy’s insights underscored how the Hub will serve as a critical resource, bringing together countries to share expertise, build resilience, and set a global standard in wildfire management.

As a respected leader in wildland fire management, Gordy’s presentation left a lasting impression on the audience. His vision for a more collaborative, resilient approach to fire management goes beyond national borders, embracing the need for integrated solutions that work for communities, landscapes, and ecosystems around the globe. His leadership in the field reminds us that the challenges we face today require not only innovative strategies but also the collective will to share, learn, and grow together.

Gordy’s words are a call to action: as wildfires continue to affect communities worldwide, international cooperation is essential. By uniting under shared principles and frameworks, the global community can rise to meet the demands of modern wildland fire management.