EUROFIRE-NEPALESE

Nepalese Version of the EuroFire Standards

Capacitating Forestry, Agricultural and Fire Services of Nepal in Landscape Fire Management and Local Rural Communities in Self-Defense against Wildfires

Wildfires in high-altitude Hindu Kush-Himalayas (HKH) ecosystems are a major driver for destruction of pristine biodiversity, including the habitats of many endangered species. During the long and intense dry seasons occurring annually in the region, wildfires are a regular phenomenon, many of them having a potential to cause major damages; e.g., loss of lives and properties, serious degradation of forests, changes of ecosystem properties, and deterioration of social and economic conditions in many countries in south Asia region.

Observations indicate that the occurrence of wildfires is increasing as a consequence of regional warming and extended dry spells. The southern slopes of the mountains are primarily affected, since they are generally warmer and drier compared to northern slopes and are therefore exposed to high human pressure. The wildfires in the recent past in the southern stretch of the HKH region not only contributing to regional and the overall global problem but also pose a higher risk to the communities if looked at from the point of view of the fragile Himalayan ecology. But, management capability to deal with wildfires of many countries is poor.

In this arena, the UNISDR Regional South Asia Wildland Fire Network (RSAWFN) was founded with support from the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in 2007 to provide platform for discussion, policy dialogue, research and development in wildland fire management in the south Asia. It also aims at networking through National Chapters.

Nepal Forest Fire Management Chapter (NFMC) was established in 2008. The main goal of this chapter is to institutionalize wildland fire management activities for sustainable forest resource management in Nepal. It has been established in accordance with the works and objectives of the Global Wildland Fire Network (GWFN) / UNISDR Wildland Fire Advisory Group (WFAG) and its secretariat, the GFMC, and the RSAWFN. It emphasizes the improvement of participatory/community-based fire management approaches and institutional and technological capabilities at all levels.

The EuroFire Fire Management Competency Standards and Training Materials are targeted for capacity building of local forest users group, forestry and security personnel.

The translation of the EuroFire Competency Standards and Training Materials to Nepalese language has been developed by the Team of Mr. Sundar Prasad Sharma, Coordinator of Regional South Asia Wildland Fire Network, and members of the Nepal Forest Fire Management Chapter (NFMC) – notably by Mr. Gagan Sharma and Mr. Ashok Parajuli.

EuroFire Materials in Nepalese

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