Nepal, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, is experiencing a sharp rise in forest fires driven by climate change and human activity. In 2024 alone, over 4,500 incidents were recorded, threatening lives, livelihoods and fragile ecosystems. Prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures are drying vegetation, leaving forests highly vulnerable. The impacts extend ...
Australian Himalayan Foundation
Protect communities from forest fires in the Himalaya
GOAL
$25,000
Australia
Field of Interest
- Environment conservation and climate change
- International aid and development
Australian Himalayan Foundation
The Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) is an independent Australian nonprofit dedicated to helping the people of the Himalaya achieve their goals through education, health, conservation and climate change projects in Nepal, India and Bhutan.
Project Summary
Nepal, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, is experiencing a sharp rise in forest fires driven by climate change and human activity. In 2024 alone, over 4,500 incidents were recorded, threatening lives, livelihoods and fragile ecosystems. Prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures are drying vegetation, leaving forests highly vulnerable. The impacts extend beyond the immediate destruction: shrinking glaciers and reduced water sources threaten water security downstream, while forest loss accelerates soil erosion and increases landslide risks during the monsoon season.
Communities living in these forests are the first line of defense, yet most lack the tools, training and resources to respond effectively. Many still rely on basic equipment such as shovels and buckets, leaving them exposed and unable to protect their homes, forests and livelihoods.
This project, in partnership with ForestAction Nepal, addresses these challenges by strengthening community-based forest fire management and response across four community forests in Bagmati Province, Nepal: Golmeshwor and Salleri in Shailung Rural Municipality, and Banjhe Kapase and Bhedigoth in Chautara Municipality.
Key activities include training local community members, officials and forest officers in fire prevention and response. Training covers fire behaviour, safety protocols, firefighting strategies and the use of hand tools. Community consultations will establish fire response protocols at both community and municipal levels, reinforced through fire drills and preparedness exercises.
The project will also provide protective equipment, water drums and firefighting tools, ensuring communities are better equipped to safeguard forests, biodiversity and lives while building long-term resilience against forest fire risks.
Project Outcomes
Project outcomes:
– The capacity in two Rural Municipalities to prevent forest fire incidents has been strengthened
– The capacity in two Rural Municipalities to respond to forest fire events has been strengthened
– Policy and strategy makers at local and provincial levels have recognised the importance of community-based forest fire management practices to prevent and respond to forest fire incidents.
Indicators for measuring progress:
– 80% of trained individuals are actively applying approved coordination and response mechanisms during fire drills and actual fire incidents.
– 80% of trained individuals demonstrate effective use of fire response tools and techniques during post-training practical assessments.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $86,100
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Australian Government - Direct Aid Program (DAP) | $22,000 |
| Corporate Donor | $20,000 |
| General Untied Donations to the Australian Himalayan Foundation | $19,100 |
| Funding gap | $25,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Refresher training on sustainable forest management for 60 Community Forest User Group members, including upkeep of forest fire management demonstration plots | $3,571 |
| Community fire risk awareness activities / campaigns throughout the year | $1,190 |
| Workshop with executive committee members and neighbouring Community Forest User Groups to integrate forest fire management into operational plans | $1,071 |
| Refresher training on forest fire response management for 40 participants (including Community Forest User Groups, local government representatives, District Forest Office staff and local community members) | $4,286 |
| Additional training on monitoring and assessing forest fire risks, including use of tools for risk identification and prevention | $1,190 |
| Refresher demonstration visit on forest fire management for 10 stakeholders, including neighbouring Community Forest User Group members, District Forest Office staff and local government staff | $1,190 |
| Support Community Forest User Groups to revise operational plans through consultations with executive committees and the District Forest Office, with guidance on budget allocation, record-keeping and reporting. | $3,810 |
| Salary support for full-time Project Manager from ForestAction Nepal | $8,692 |
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