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United Nations and International Civil Aviation Organization Launch $82.5 Million Project to Eliminate Harmful Firefighting Foams in African Airports

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have jointly launched the Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishment (FIRE) project, a $82.5 million initiative aimed at phasing out the use of toxic fluorinated firefighting foams and replacing them with safer alternatives at major airports in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. The project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a $10 million grant and $72.5 million in co-financing from partners, will target the removal of 4,500 tonnes of PFAS-contaminated material from fire trucks and the safe disposal of 130 tonnes of PFAS-based foam concentrate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FIRE project aims to phase out the use of toxic fluorinated firefighting foams and replace them with safer alternatives at major airports in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
  • The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a $10 million grant and $72.5 million in co-financing from partners.
  • The effort is expected to promote the safe removal of 4,500 tonnes of PFAS-contaminated material from fire trucks and the safe disposal of 130 tonnes of PFAS-based foam concentrate.
  • Anil Sookdeo, Senior Chemicals Specialist at the Global Environment Facility (GEF), noted that the FIRE project demonstrates sector-focused action in driving the elimination of hazardous chemicals across value chains.
  • Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, stated that the FIRE project supports a practical transition to safer, accessible, and affordable alternatives, showing that environmental and health protection can go hand in hand with business and operational viability.
  • The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting the adoption of safer and more sustainable firefighting practices at airports worldwide.
  • Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, highlighted the importance of initiatives like FIRE in eliminating PFAS from high-risk open applications such as firefighting foams.

Statistics:

  • The FIRE project has a total budget of $82.5 million.
  • The project is expected to remove 4,500 tonnes of PFAS-contaminated material from fire trucks.
  • The safe disposal of 130 tonnes of PFAS-based foam concentrate is also targeted as part of the project.
  • The Global Environment Facility (GEF) provided a $10 million grant for the project.
  • Partners provided $72.5 million in co-financing for the project.

Sources:

  • M2 PRESSWIRE-August 19, 2025-: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) launch $82.5 Million project to eliminate harmful firefighting foams in African airports
  • Global Environment Facility (GEF) press release
  • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) press release

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