Chongqing - The China-Japan disaster prevention and reduction seminar to share forest fire response measures and experiences was successfully held in Southwest China's Sichuan Province on March 16. 

This event in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture is the third disaster prevention and reduction seminar series, with experts from Sichuan Province and Chongqing who have rich experience in forest fire protection in attendance. Experts from Wakayama Prefecture and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also participated online.

The theme of this China-Japan disaster prevention and reduction seminar was “Forest Fire Response Measures and Experiences,” and experts from Sichuan Province, Chongqing, Wakayama Prefecture, and JICA shared their experiences. 

Representatives from Sichuan Province’s fire department and forestry department and representatives from Chongqing’s Shapingba and Beibei districts introduced forest fire prevention and emergency measures to Japanese experts. 

The Japanese experts introduced the firefighting organization, personnel training, and forest fire prevention measures in Wakayama Prefecture, providing participants with a vivid and impressive exchange of experiences.

Takada Mari, Consul-General of Japan in Chongqing, said that last year, Sichuan and Chongqing, in addition to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, faced severe heatwaves and disasters such as drought, power shortages, and forest fires. 

Japan has 25 million hectares of forest; the forest coverage rate accounts for 68 percent of its land area. Japan has also accumulated some experience in forest fire prevention and protection. Therefore, the disaster prevention and reduction seminar with the theme of “forest fire prevention” is of constructive significance. 

She hopes that through today’s seminar, the participants can play a role in their respective administrations and deepen the cooperation between Japan and the Chongqing-Sichuan region from a new perspective, contributing to strengthening the relationship between Chongqing, Sichuan, and Japan in the future.

The seminar was held by the Chongqing municipal and Sichuan provincial people’s associations for friendship with foreign countries and the Consulate-General of Japan in Chongqing.