Managing South-East Asia’s Savannas: challenges and holistic approaches through community-based fire management

Marina Tornorsam; Thuy Nguyen; Ate Poortinga; Vanessa Machuca; Enikoe Bihari; Karis Tenneson; Hanh Quyen Nguyen; Thomas Buchholz; David Saah; Peter Cutter; David Ganz

Just Accepted

This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Managing South-East Asia’s Savannas: challenges and holistic approaches through community-based fire management

Marina Tornorsam , Thuy Nguyen, Ate Poortinga, Vanessa Machuca, Enikoe Bihari, Karis Tenneson, Hanh Quyen Nguyen, Thomas Buchholz, David Saah, Peter Cutter, David Ganz

Abstract

Savannas, characterized by continuous grass layer and discontinuous tree layer, are widespread globally and highly flammable during dry seasons, contributing to 90% of annual global burned areas and significant emissions. Asian savannas, often mismanaged due to structural variability and misclassification as "poor forests," face excessive or insufficient fire regimes. Addressing transboundary haze and climate mitigation requires improved understanding and sustainable management. This paper addresses savanna management challenges, particularly misclassified Dry Dipterocarp Forests in the Lower Mekong, by synthesizing knowledge on their distribution, role of fire use by local communities, and recommends holistic, community-based fire management, integrated planning, and incentives.

WF24098 Accepted 23 November 2024