This symposium, happening amidst the backdrop of recent destructive veld fires in KwaZulu-Natal, aims to address the pressing need for integrated and collaborative wildfire management strategies.
Various professionals involved in wildfire management, including natural resource managers, engineers, fire managers, educators, and scientists will gather to attend.
With the rising frequency and intensity of wildfires globally, the symposium emphasises the urgent need for better integration between research findings, technological advancements, and on-the-ground fire management practices.
Experts and authorities from diverse sectors, such as nature conservation, agriculture, disaster management, forestry, and local authorities will attend.
Beyond sharing advancements in fire management technology, a key goal is to highlight and address the essential role of education and training in effectively implementing new fire management practices.
Panel discussions and workshops will explore questions around training and education to enhance wildfire management, who will provide this training, and who would benefit most, as well as how these initiatives would be funded?
The recent fires in KwaZulu-Natal emphasised the critical importance of these conversations, as communities and ecosystems are affected by wildfire hazards. Various insights and experiences of the frontline of wildfire management are brought together with researchers and developers working on cutting-edge solutions.
This collaboration would contribute to a clearer understanding of each other’s needs, successes, and challenges, among stakeholders, contributing to a more resilient fire management framework.
A variety of informative presentations will showcase the latest developments in wildfire prevention and suppression and networking opportunities will strengthen alliances across different land uses and disciplines, reinforcing a collective approach to wildfire management.
The symposium takes place at Halliwell Country Inn, Karloof region, Howick, KwaZulu Natal. For further details, please contact tiaan.pool@mandela.ac.za 0723742347, Hannes van Zyl Hannes.vanZyl@mandela.ac.za 0727331692.
Reference article: https://saforestryonline.co.za/articles/wildfires-cause-havoc-in-kzn/