UNEP and ICAO Launch Initiative to Eliminate Hazardous Firefighting Foams

August 20, 2025

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has introduced a major new initiative called the Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishment (FIRE) project.

Valued at $82.5 million, the FIRE project is backed by a $10 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the remaining $72.5 million provided by co-financing partners. The project is focused on removing PFAS-based firefighting foams—a class of hazardous chemicals known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. These substances have been linked to various health and environmental concerns.

The initiative will focus on replacing these toxic foams with safer, fluorine-free alternatives at key international airports in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

According to Anil Sookdeo, senior chemicals specialist at the GEF, the project exemplifies how targeted actions within specific industries can accelerate the global shift away from dangerous chemicals. “The GEF is proud to support this work, which we hope will inspire both participating nations and the aviation sector as a whole to move toward PFAS-free firefighting solutions,” he stated.

Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, who leads UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, emphasized the initiative’s potential for impact. “This project helps countries eliminate some of the most harmful pollutants in firefighting supply chains,” she said. “It demonstrates that environmental and public health protection can align with practical, affordable alternatives for business and industry.”

The FIRE project will assist airports in safely transitioning to non-toxic firefighting foam without compromising safety or performance. The program aims to safely remove around 4,500 tonnes of PFAS-contaminated equipment and dispose of 130 tonnes of PFAS-based foam concentrate.

The project is being implemented by UNEP, executed by ICAO, and funded by the GEF. It forms part of a broader UNEP-GEF initiative aimed at monitoring and phasing out persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and reducing their harmful effects on people and the environment.