Learning Lab on Heat, Drought, and Wildfires Risk Governance

The increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires globally has become a critical issue of concern. The Europe and Central Asia region witnesses extreme temperatures and prolonged heatwaves, increased periods of droughts, resulting in widespread and devastating wildfires. This situation underscores the urgent need to enhance our understanding and implementation of effective risk reduction strategies to address the expanding duration and severity of droughts and wildfire season, which are now affecting larger areas and populations.

In the face of the ongoing climate emergency, it is imperative to strengthen international cooperation and harmonize strategies to address the challenges posed by extreme temperatures, droughts, and heatwaves. Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and good practices is essential to prevent wildfires and mitigate the impacts of extreme temperatures.

This Learning Lab will serve as a platform to provide participants with actionable case studies and replicable practices aimed at enhancing risk reduction mechanisms. The session will prioritize the exchange of experiences and the identification of innovative solutions from knowledge to governance and financing, in order to address the risks and impacts associated with extreme temperatures, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires in the region. 

List of speakers:

1. Ms. Christine Haffner-Sifakis, Mediterranean Forest Protection Initiative, UNEP (moderator)  
2. Ms. Helga Soares, Regional Coordinator, AGIF, Portugal
3. Mr. Paul Brotherton, Freshwater Manager, Wetlands International Europe
4. Ms. Fabia Huesler, Deputy Head of Section, Federal Office for the Environment, Switzerland
5. Mr. Cvetan Nikolovski, Landscape Fire Management in the Western Balkans Programme