Innovative Approaches to Forest Fire Management and Agricultural Transformation in Northern Thailand : Developing Fire Risk Mapping and Management Systems - Integrating Disruptive Technologies for Impact Monitoring

This report presents the findings from the first of two activities conducted under the World Bank’s Advisory Services and Analytics project, with the primary aim of gaining insights into the increasing threats posed by wildfire outbreaks to both forests and local communities in Thailand. This report focuses on fire risk; the report for the second activity, to be published separately, will focus on the agriculture value chain and its relationship with fire risks. The key goal of this report is to outline recommendations to increase the effectiveness of wildfire management, particularly in early warning systems and emergency response. Key components of this report include: an analysis of fire risk mapping (FRM) and its role in improving wildfire management; a proposed framework for the design of a Fire Management Information System (FMIS); and a summary of key findings from stakeholder consultations; policy recommendations for fire management that are applicable to Thailand as well as to other countries facing similar challenges. Through these recommendations, the report aims to provide actionable strategies to strengthen fire risk management and support more effective wildfire prevention and response efforts