Global network connects unique wildfire knowledge and solutions
Climate change and the way we manage and plan our landscapes is resulting in unprecedented wildfires. The world is witnessing escalating human casualties and serious health impacts, as well as huge economic losses, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and catastrophic loss of the natural world – most recently in California in January 2025, where around 15,000 hectares were affected by wildfires, and 29 people died.
These new generations of wildfires are exceeding our capacity to suppress them. We need a holistic strategy that minimises the risks of extreme fires breaking out and which also creates resilient landscapes that can recover if a fire should occur.
The Wildfire Resilient Landscapes Network is a global network of CBA Affiliate Members which brings together organisations from different sectors, including indigenous communities, research, international development and finance. It aims to connect and share unique indigenous and community knowledge and experience in wildfire management with scientific knowledge and tools. Projects aim to demonstrate solutions on the ground – which could include, for example, testing and implementing prescribed burning and ecosystem restoration measures, reducing wildfire risks.
However, it is also key to explore how mitigation and adaptation strategies can be financed. The Network also works towards scaling up investments towards wildfire resilient landscapes, aiming to develop and pilot innovative financial models that can enable land stewards to secure working capital and support the transition.
The Network will announce two exciting new initiatives in Commonwealth countries in the coming weeks.
More information
WRLN is a joint initiative between the CBA and the Commonwealth Secretariat, and was launched in November 2023 at a reception attended by His Majesty King Charles III.
Current members include: International Savannah Fire Management Initiative, Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia, Palladium Group, Blue Forest, Macquarie University, Whitefeather Forest Community Resource Management Authority.
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Photo credit: Edgar Bullon/AdobeStock
