Year of publication 2006

The voluntary guidelines outline a framework of legally non-binding principles and internationally accepted strategic actions. They address the cultural, social, environmental and economic dimensions of fire management at all levels. The principles and strategic actions are global in scope and are provided to: all elements of civil society and the private sector; member nations of FAO and nonmembers; policy level and senior managers of sub-regional, regional and global organizations, whether governmental or non-governmental; owners and managers of forest, range, grassland and other ecosystems; and all stakeholders concerned with the protection of lives, property and resources from the effect of unwanted, damaging fires and with the use of fire to enhance ecosystems and economic benefits. Other sectors may also find the principles and strategic actions useful in their roles in society: insurance companies, advocacy groups, and specialists in communications, disaster management and public relations. It is anticipated that the principles and strategic actions will be promoted for use in governance, education, guidance, benchmarking, cooperation and advocacy related to all aspects of fire management. The purpose of this Working Paper is to describe a methodology for capacity building to translate the Fire Management Voluntary Guidelines into action proposals in a country.