Wildfires Surge in Far-Western Nepal's Forests, Threatening Biodiversity and Livelihoods

Kanchanpur. The outbreak of wildfires has begun to increase in the forest areas of the Sudurpashchim Province. So far, about 15 percent of the forest area has been affected. According to Hemraj Bist, director of the Provincial Forest Directorate, the impact of wildfires has been particularly severe in the forests of the Chure region. This is directly affecting forest conservation, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of local communities.

Director Bist stated that wildfires are more prevalent in the Chure region's forests compared to the plains. He explained that while wildfires in the plains can be relatively easily controlled due to the active involvement of community forest user groups and forest staff, the geographical remoteness of the Chure region poses the primary challenge.

"The Chure region is steep, remote, and lacks road networks, making it risky to reach the affected areas, and in some places, it's impossible to reach," he said. "Furthermore, there is a lack of modern machinery and equipment, which makes control even more difficult."

He added that it is very challenging for forest guards and staff to reach the Chure region on foot to control wildfires. This increases the risk of small fires escalating into large wildfires.

According to him, human activities are the primary cause of wildfires. Local herders set fires hoping for quick green grass growth, people light fires while collecting mushrooms, farmers burn wheat stubble in their fields, and fires lit for clearing drains spread into forest areas, leading to wildfires.

In addition, natural causes and climate change have also increased the risk of wildfires. Especially due to the impact of 'El Niño,' rising temperatures reduce moisture in forest areas and increase dryness, creating a high probability of fires spreading. This impact has also been felt in the forest areas of Sudurpashchim.

"El Niño is a climate system where the surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean rises abnormally, causing temperature increases, changes in rainfall patterns, and drought conditions," said Forest Director Bist. "In such conditions, forest areas become extremely dry, and even a small lapse can lead to a major wildfire." He added, "The higher the temperature rises, the greater the risk and damage from wildfires."

Wildfires destroy wildlife habitats and cause significant damage to forest products such as medicinal herbs, grass, and timber. This has adversely affected the daily lives and income of local communities dependent on the forest.

The situation at Shuklaphanta National Park, however, is under control compared to previous years. According to Binay Kumar Jha, Assistant Chief Conservation Officer of the park, wildfires have been less frequent in the park area this year compared to previous years.

The park administration has prioritized preparedness for wildfire control. However, stakeholders have indicated that the risk is increasing in community forest areas.

According to Maheshdatt Joshi, Chairman of the Community Forest Coordination Committee Kanchanpur, community forest officials and users have been protesting for several days, demanding the swift implementation of sustainable forest management procedures, which has led to a lack of necessary attention to forest conservation.