Kathmandu: Minister for International Development Dr. Anne Aly met with 15 Nepali forest fire management professionals in Sydney to congratulate them on completing a DFAT-funded training program aimed at strengthening Nepal’s capacity to manage and respond to forest fires.
The training, hosted by the Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) under the Australia Awards Fellowship, brought together experts from Nepal and Australia to share knowledge on fire prevention, Indigenous burning practices, and community resilience.
In 2024 alone, Nepal experienced more than 4,500 forest fires, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced fire management strategies. The program, delivered in collaboration with leading Australian fire agencies, focused on building vital technical and practical skills for managing wildfire risks.
Andrew Judge, CEO of the Australian Himalayan Foundation, said, “Australia has a long history in managing large-scale bushfires. By sharing some of this knowledge with Nepal, we can help remote communities prepare, respond, and recover more effectively, building resilience and saving lives.”
The initiative marks another milestone in strengthening Australia–Nepal ties, as both countries face growing challenges posed by climate change and increasing wildfire incidents.
