from prevention to recovery
on the complexities of wildfires
Mission statement
Fire has long been a vital component of the Earth System, historically used by humans as hunters and farmers. In the 21st century, fire takes center stage in environmental management, highlighting the urgent need to define its role in shaping sustainable landscapes. Success in this effort depends on collaboration and networking among scientists, citizens, and practitioners. To facilitate these connections, fEs organizes a hybrid conference that brings together diverse stakeholders to share knowledge, ideas, and strategies for utilizing fire as a tool for sustainability.
Participants from various backgrounds are invited, including fire dynamics, fire risk management, the effects of fire on vegetation, fauna, soil, and water, as well as socio-economic, historical, geographical, political, and land management perspectives. This initiative connects scientific communities from different regions of the world with practitioners and citizens, enabling the exchange of experiences and the development of innovative approaches to fire research.
fEs fosters synergistic collaborations among researchers, citizens, and stakeholders. By integrating biological, biochemical, and physical research with socio-economic, historical, geographical, sociological, and policy considerations, fEs synthesizes existing knowledge to create fire-resilient landscapes.
In addressing the intensification and geographic spread of wildfires driven by climate and land-use changes, fEs equips society, practitioners, and scientists with the tools and knowledge needed to adapt. With global change and fire serving as critical factors shaping the future of humanity, fEs provides a platform for meaningful discussion and action.
Supported by
FES2026 in numbers
57 abstracts co-authored by 190 authors from 19 countries submitted to FES2026 so far. Submit your work to put yourself on the map.
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Keynote speakers
Organizing committee
Navashni Govender
Samukelisiwe Msweli
Hannes van Zyl
Christiaan F. Pool
Tercia Strydom
Saskia Keesstra
Artemi Cerdà
Excursions
Join us before and after the conference to see fire management at work in Kruger National Park, and to explore the canyons, waterfalls and forests of the Mpumalanga escarpment.
Before the conference · 2 days
Kruger National Park
By safari vehicle from Skukuza: burn frequency plots, the flux tower for CO2 and climate monitoring, burn enclosure plots at Nkuhlu, an anti-poaching dog training facility and more, with game driving along the way. Accommodation not included.
After the conference · 4 days
The Panorama Route
The Three Rondavels and Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, Graskop Gorge, Pilgrim’s Rest, the Sudwala Caves and a forestry visit with Sappi. Accommodation included.
Venue
FES2026 · South Africa
Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
FES2026 takes place at Skukuza, the capital of Kruger National Park, on the banks of the Sabie River. Skukuza has its own airport with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, and is 12 km from Paul Kruger Gate. Special conference rates are available for accommodation in the camp.