India’s Resolution on Global Wildfire Management Adopted at UNEA-7

Why in News

• India’s resolution titled “Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires” was adopted on 12 December at the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held in Nairobi, Kenya.
• The resolution received broad support from UN Member States, highlighting growing global concern over the escalating threat of wildfires.

Key Highlights of the Resolution

• Reaffirms the need for urgent, coordinated international action to address wildfires as a climate-driven global risk.
• Emphasises prevention, preparedness, response, and post-fire restoration through strengthened global cooperation.
• Calls for enhanced scientific collaboration, data sharing, capacity building, and early warning systems, particularly for vulnerable countries.

India’s Intervention

• India drew attention to UNEP’s global report “Spreading Like Wildfire”, which warns of a sharp rise in wildfires:
  • 14% increase by 2030
  • 30% increase by 2050
  • 50% increase by 2100, if current trends continue
• India stressed that these projections underline wildfires as a long-term climate risk, not isolated disasters.

Impact of Wildfires

• Every year, millions of hectares of land are affected globally.
• Cause extensive damage to:
  • Forests and biodiversity
  • Water resources and soil health
  • Air quality and public health
  • Livelihoods of forest-dependent communities
• Wildfires also:
  • Release large amounts of greenhouse gases
  • Weaken natural carbon sinks
  • Impose heavy economic costs on nations

About UNEA-7

• Held from 8–12 December 2025 at UNEP Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Theme: “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.”
• UNEA is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters.

About the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)

• Established following the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) and the outcome document “The Future We Want.”
• The former UNEP Governing Council was renamed as UNEA.
• Membership includes all 193 UN Member States, giving it universal legitimacy.

Significance

• Marks India’s leadership in global environmental governance.
• Reinforces international consensus that wildfire management is central to climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

Sources: PIB & UNEP