Wales joins global effort to prevent wildfires at COP31 in Türkiye

Llyr Gruffydd, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, heads to the United Nations’ Climate Conference, COP31, in Türkiye this week to learn from international wildfire prevention efforts. 

There, he will take part in a wildfire resilience event organised by the Under2 Coalition, a global network of governments of which Wales is a founding member, alongside the Government of Türkiye, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.  

The event will showcase approaches to wildfire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, sharing strategies and best practice from around the world. 

The visit follows a summer of record heat, droughts, and devastating fires that affected communities across Wales. 

Last month, the First Minister brought fire services, police, local government, farmers and climate experts together at a summit to plan for future wildfire seasons, with an emphasis on prevention. 

The summit agreed action including bringing in international expertise to train Welsh fire and rescue services, a review of how land management can reduce wildfire risk, and a stronger national wildfire board. 

The visit also comes as the Welsh Government takes forward its commitment to develop a cross-government Climate and Nature Action Plan, which will bring together action to tackle the climate and nature emergency, and to protect communities, support rural and coastal economies and prepare Wales for the impacts of a changing climate. 

As part of Wales’ engagement at COP31, the Minister will also: 

• hear from partners in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa about flooding, drought, wildfires and extreme heat 

• speak at events on food waste and our circular economy 

• discuss how regional governments can speed up clean electrification 

• discuss investment for climate and nature projects 

The Cabinet Minister said: 

“The wildfires we experienced this summer across Wales served as a warning, and we must be prepared.  I’m travelling to Türkiye to share Wales’ experiences, learn from countries that face these challenges every year, and bring back valuable insights to help strengthen our approach at home. 

“Climate change is affecting communities across Wales, and we need to strengthen our resilience while taking action to protect and restore nature. 

“Our commitment to a new Climate and Nature Action Plan recognises that tackling the climate and nature crisis is a shared responsibility across government.”  

“We will build the Plan with our communities and our partners, so we can shape a future that works for people and the planet.” 

 ENDS