Regional Exchange in Kathmandu Highlights Indigenous Leadership in Fire Stewardship

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Regional Exchange in Kathmandu Highlights Indigenous Leadership in Fire Stewardship

Regional Exchange in Kathmandu Highlights Indigenous Leadership in Fire Stewardship

Ganesh Khatiwada 2026-04-20 18:53:00

Photo Source: FAO Nepal Facebook Post

Kathmandu - A five-day regional exchange on Indigenous Integrated Fire Stewardship Knowledge and Practices commenced today in Kathmandu, bringing together Indigenous leaders, practitioners, and experts from 12 countries across the Asia sociocultural region. The event underscores a growing recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems as essential to addressing the increasing challenges of forest fires and ecosystem degradation.
In his opening remarks, Ken Shimizu, the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for Bhutan and Nepal, welcomed participants and emphasized the urgency of adopting integrated and inclusive approaches to forest fire management. He highlighted that the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires demand solutions that not only rely on modern science but also incorporate the time-tested stewardship practices of Indigenous Peoples.
The regional exchange is being organized with FAO’s support to the International Indigenous-led Fire Adaptation Network under the framework of the Global Fire Management Hub. The initiative aims to foster south-south collaboration, enabling countries to share experiences, challenges, and locally grounded solutions in fire management.
Participants are expected to engage in interactive sessions, knowledge-sharing dialogues, and field-based learning throughout the five-day program. The exchange places strong emphasis on Indigenous-led strategies that enhance ecosystem resilience, strengthen community participation, and promote sustainable forest management.
As climate change continues to intensify fire risks across Asia, the Kathmandu exchange serves as a timely platform to bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary practices. Organizers believe that empowering Indigenous communities and recognizing their stewardship role will be key to building resilient landscapes and safeguarding biodiversity in the region.
The program also reflects a broader global shift toward inclusive environmental governance, where Indigenous voices and practices are increasingly acknowledged as central to effective and sustainable solutions.
#EcosphereNews #FireStewardship #IndigenousKnowledge #ForestManagement #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #FAO #IIFAN #GlobalFireManagement #Kathmandu #EnvironmentalLeadership #SouthSouthCooperation

Published Date 2026-04-20 18:53:00