News from the UN: Report on the FAO/ITTO International Expert Meeting on Forest Fire Management, ANNEX 6 (IFFN No. 24 – April 2001)
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Report on the
FAO/ITTO International Expert Meeting on Forest Fire Management
Rome, Italy, 7-9 March 2001
(IFFN No. 24 – April 2001, 78-98)
ANNEX 6
Provisional 12 Legal and Operational Checklists for Developing Forest Fire Emergency Agreements (Bilateral or Multi-lateral)
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National Legislation promoting International Agreements and establishing the framework for such Agreements (This requirement may vary by country in terms of process)
- An example exists between Canada and USA
- An example exists between USA and Mexico
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Annual Operating Plan specifying details of how to accomplish emergency assistance.
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Protocols to promote technical exchanges of personnel between countries (a non-emergency assistance)
I National Legislation or Other Enabling Protocols for Establishing Contents (Elements) for Agreements:
- Establish Agreements between Governments for emergency assistance if they do not exist. Determine appropriate channels for establishing Agreements. This will differ by country as how this is to be done.
- Identify the Central Agency or Contact Point to coordinate the exchange of resources.
- Specify Sending Party and Receiving Party.
- Specify type of resources that may be sent or received.
- Specify how costs will be allocated. Usually Receiving Party pays.
- Specify time for reimbursements.
- Specify who controls resources.
- Specify how to cover losses and damages.
- Specify the process for recalling resources to return them to sending party.
- Specify Liability arrangements for damages (both ways). Fatal accidents, insurance, etc.
- Specify qualifications of people.
- Specify how to mediate disputes.
Note: Principle for success: Good will and practical solutions are essential in developing Agreements
II Checklist for Annual Operating Plan to Provide Emergency Fire Assistance (Bilaterally or Multi-laterally)
- State purpose of assistance.
- Cite authorities.
- Detail general procedures
- Who requests (how?)
- Reimbursements
- Identify types of resources
- Personnel
- Daily rate and pay
- Lodging
- Meals and travel
- Medical costs, insurance coverage
- Safety, health and welfare
- Safety equipment
- Who provides liaison?
- Compensation claims for death and injury
- Specify indemnity procedures
- Equipment and supplies.
- Billing and payment procedures and currencies.
- Situation reporting daily.
- Authorization, signatures.
- Process for re-call of resources.
- Customs considerations.
- Resolution of logistical limitations and constraints.
Note 1: Successful emergency assistance requires careful prior planning and review.
Note 2: Elements may need to be adapted to suit the conditions existing in different countries
III Protocols for Technical Exchanges of Personnel Among Countries
- Authority
- Qualifications and Objectives
- Requests
- Procedures and Payment (loss, damage, injury)
- Documentation report that evaluates the exchange
- Signatures for Approval
Additional Notes:
Agreements, Operational Plans and Protocols could be to:
- Provide for exchanges of technical information, not people, on a recurring basis.
- Share information regarding individual serious fires to other partners.
- Exchange information regarding technical support in fighting fires from private vendors who supply equipment.
- Consider contract requirements for aircraft.
- Determine responsibilities and opportunities for providing technical assistance to developing countries. Identify countries or organizations to provide such assistance.
