Consultation/Training on Forest Fire Prevention and Response

Consultation/Training on Forest Fire Prevention and Response

Forests are vital for maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and providing resources for local communities. However, forest fires pose a significant threat to these ecosystems, causing extensive damage to flora and fauna, degrading soil quality, and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The need for effective forest fire management has become increasingly urgent due to changing climate patterns and human activities that heighten the risk of fires.

ForestAction Nepal, in collaboration with NDRRMA Nepal, DFAT and Australian Volunteers Program, organised and facilitated a four-day consultation/training event in Dhulikhel, Kavre district from 18-21 November 2024, which aimed to sensitized and equip stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for effective forest fire risk reduction and management.

Approximately, 22 participants took part in this training event, representing the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, Divisional Forest Officers, Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), and Federation of community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN).

The training employed a mixed-method approach that included workshops, field-based practice, group discussions, presentations, and demonstrations. The participants also received hands-on training in fire safety and the use of essential tools and equipment for forest fire suppression. The training program aimed to achieve the following key outputs:

• Increased awareness among local communities about the importance of forest fire prevention and its management at the community level.
• Improved ability to use forest fire management techniques and technologies introduced in the program to enhance their firefighting capabilities.
• Successful testing and refinement of the draft forest fire training module based on practical exercises and feedback during the training sessions.