The International Savanna Fire Management Initiative has launched a report on ‘The Global Potential of Indigenous Fire Management – Findings of the Regional Feasibility Assessments’ at COP 21 in Paris.

The report details the findings of assessments undertaken in Africa and Latin America and Asia.

In each region the report finds that fire has been used over long periods by Indigenous and local communities for social, cultural and environmental purposes. With interruptions to traditional fire management practices, late dry season burning is contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions and undermining biodiversity. The reintroduction of Indigenous-led savanna fire management could bring significant environmental, social and economic benefits in all regions assessed and contribute to global emissions reductions.

While there are many practical challenges ahead, the steps required to build readiness for savanna fire management are considered to be concrete and achievable over appropriate time scales and with well-targeted human, scientific, regulatory and economic investment.

Read the Executive Summary and Report.