ISFMI granted observer status at UNFCCC COP28

At its twenty-eight session from November 30th to December 12th, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) granted observer status to the International Savanna Fire Management Initiative (ISFMI). By granting ISFMI Observer Status, the United Nations recognizes the importance of fire in climate change. This new status will enable ISFMI to engage more formally with the climate negotiation process and strengthen its efforts in raising awareness of the important role that traditional fire management can play in responding to global climate-related challenges.

UNFCCC COPs are not open to the public and observer status will allow ISFMI to:

• Attend the sessions of the Convention;

• Submit statements during the official proceedings;

• Organize side events and exhibitions;

• Participate in workshops and meetings of the COP and/or subsidiary bodies.

ISFMI celebrated its new status by actively participating in side events, workshops, and working sessions at COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Through this new status, ISFMI intends to continue to empower and support partners to meaningfully participate and engage in climate policy discussions related to fire management. 

ISFMI looks forward to engaging with the UNFCCC for the benefit of communities, biodiversity, and global goals for climate action.