Korea, France, AFoCO Team Up to Train Asian Wildfire Crews

As wildfires grow more intense worldwide, Korea, France, and the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization are building an army of trained specialists to fight back.

The Korea Forest Service, French government, and AFoCO met in France in early October to expand their Forest Fire Management in Asia project. The three partners reviewed impressive first-year results, including successful training programs delivered in Thailand, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.

The collaboration brings together each country's unique strengths. Korea contributes decades of hands-on wildfire response experience, while France offers world-class expertise in specialist education and training programs. AFoCO, an intergovernmental organization based in Seoul, provides the regional network to reach countries across Asia that need these skills most.

During the October meetings, the partners committed to expanding the program's reach. They're planning to bring more countries and partner institutions into the fold, with eyes on transforming FFMA into a major international cooperation initiative by 2027.

The trip included productive side meetings where Korean and French officials discussed wildfire prevention policies and international cooperation frameworks. Both sides explored concrete ways to blend their complementary skills to create even more effective training programs.

The Ripple Effect

The partnership is already creating educational opportunities beyond emergency response training. Seoul National University, France's Paris Sciences et Lettres University, and AFoCO signed an agreement to offer dual master's degree scholarships. Four students will be selected to begin their studies in September 2027, creating a new generation of wildfire management experts.

This education pipeline means the program's impact will extend far beyond immediate firefighting skills. These graduates will return to their home countries equipped to build stronger wildfire management systems, train others, and develop policies that protect forests and communities.

"As large wildfires become more frequent worldwide, international cooperation to share experience and technology is becoming increasingly important," said Lee Hyun-joo, director of international cooperation at the Korea Forest Service.

Countries facing climate-driven wildfire threats now have partners ready to share proven solutions and build lasting capacity for protection.