ForestAction Nepal recently conducted “Fire-Responsive Forest Management Trainings” for community forest user group members. ForestAction Nepal in collaboration with the Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) is undertaking this initiative on ‘Fostering Community-Led Forest Fire Management in High-Altitude Regions of Nepal’ in Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk.
The training took place from 1st March and continued till 20th March 2025. Altogether four CFUGs were targeted: BanjheKapase, Bhedigoth, Golmeshwor, and Salleri in Sindhupalchowk and Dolakha districts. Both conceptual aspects and field based demonstrations on forest management were conducted in the respective community forests. A total of 84 community user groups participated in the training.
The training was helpful in:
– Understanding sustainable forest management practices in relation to forest fire management.
– Bridging traditional community forest management knowledge with scientific approaches and management techniques for more effective decision-making.
– Hands-on experience in fireline construction and maintenance.
– Discussions on “Nepal’s forest management legal framework” and community roles in fire prevention.
Empowering communities with knowledge and practical skills is key to proactive and sustainable forest fire management. This training is a step toward enhancing community resilience in forest fire management.
