About the training In collaboration with the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation (DoFSC), we have been developing a “Forest Fire Management Information System” in Nepal. The Forest Fire Detection and Monitoring System has been augmented with several additional features, and the user interface has been localized in the Nepali language. To generate awareness about the technological developments and maximize the use of the web-based application, we are conducting hands-on training for relevant staff at the DoFSC, and division forest offices in districts that experience a high risk of forest fires in Nepal. Expected participants Relevant staff at the division forest offices in Surkhet, Kailali, Dang, Banke, and Bardiya, and Bardia National Park, Banke National Park, and Chitwan National Park. Background Nepal experiences a high number of forest fires every year, especially during the dry season from March to June. These fires damage forest ecosystems, property, and livestock, and affects human lives. Geospatial technology can play a significant role in preparing to reduce the risk of forest fire occurrences, managing forest fires by providing precise near-real-time fire locations, and mapping burnt areas in the forest after forest fires have occurred. The technology can also help disseminate information through a web-based decision support system to support decision-makers in making informed decisions. Tentative agenda Moderator: Vishwas Chitale, ICIMOD Wednesday, 29 September 2021 Time (NPT) Session Resource person/s 10:00–10:05 Welcome to the participants Vishwas Chitale, ICIMOD 10:05–10:15 Opening remarks Birendra Bajracharya, ICIMOD Man Bahadur Khadka, DoFSC 10:15–10:20 Self-introduction by participants Virtual group photo All participants 10:20–10:30 Highlights of collaboration between DoFSC and ICIMOD and objectives of the training Navin Giri, DoFSC 10:30–11:00 Application of geospatial technology for forest fire issue in Nepal Vishwas Chitale, ICIMOD 11:00–11:15 Forest burnt area assessment in Nepal Sunil Thapa, ICIMOD 11:15–11:25 Break 11:25–12:30 Demonstration of “Forest Fire Detection and Monitoring System in Nepal” Gobinda Shrestha, DoFSC and Smriety Regmi, MoFE 12:30–13:30 Hands-on exercise for participants, Q&A about the app Vishwas Chitale, ICIMOD Gobinda Shrestha, DoFSC 13:30–14:00 Closing session Feedback by participants Way forward Closing remarks Vote of thanks 2 participants Vishwas Chitale, ICIMOD, and Navin Giri, DoFSC Mir Matin, ICIMOD Sunil Thapa, ICIMOD