Welsh minister visits UN climate summit to study wildfire prevention

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Welsh fire services could adopt international tactics to tackle summer wildfires as a government minister attends the COP31 climate conference in Türkiye this week.

Llŷr Gruffydd, minister for rural resilience and sustainability, is visiting the country’s International Forest Training Centre to study overseas wildfire prevention and recovery strategies.

The visit comes after a summer of record temperatures, drought, and severe wildfires across communities in south Wales.

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Last month, the First Minister convened an emergency summit with fire chiefs, police officers, local authorities, and farming representatives to review Wales’ preparedness for future heatwaves.

Measures agreed at the summit included bringing in foreign specialists to train Welsh crews, reviewing land management practices to mitigate fire risks, and establishing a stronger national wildfire board.

During the Turkish summit, organised by the Under2 Coalition alongside the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, Mr Gruffydd will also meet regional representatives from South Africa to discuss drought and extreme heat resilience.

The Welsh Government is currently preparing a cross-government Climate and Nature Action Plan intended to strengthen community defences against extreme weather.

Mr Gruffydd 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.”

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

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