Training of Trainers for Forest Fire Management

The Training of Trainers for Forest Fire Management workshop, hosted by RECOFTC through the Community-based Fire Management (CBFiM) project, is designed to integrate technical and global approaches to community-based fire management in four biodiversity-rich countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam, with support from the USDA Forest Service and partners. The workshop is tailored in line with the principles of adult learning and will utilize various experiential and participatory learning approaches and methods, including collaborative group learning methods such as role-play, group discussion, brainstorming and scenario-building, as well as field study and circular learning.

The workshop aims to prepare country coordinators under the regional project on CBFiM to address the root causes of forest fires and their socio-ecological consequences within the landscapes of the four countries. During the four-day workshop, participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions and dialogues, visit nearby communities to learn about specific cases of fire management and gain practical knowledge on how to build capacity and design community-based fire management plans.

Objectives

The objectives of the workshop are to provide knowledge, skills and tools for government partners and relevant individuals on CBFiM planning and implementation. Additionally, the workshop aims to integrate gender considerations into the participatory process through training, practice, action with local communities and planning.

During the four-day workshop, the following activities will be conducted:

• Sharing knowledge on forest fire fundamentals and their impact.
• Providing insights on how to assess and control forest fires and prevent future forest fires.
• Sharing knowledge on gender equity concepts and analyzing gender roles in forest fire management.
• Exchanging experiences on forest fires and their impact, information sharing, dissemination and coordination at the local level.
• Organizing a field visit to a nearby community to learn about specific cases of making firebreaks and fire management in the Houyxai district.
• Designing forest fire awareness-raising activity plans.

In addition, a field practicum will be organized in Namyonemai village, Bokeo Province, to further enhance the practical learning experience for the participants.

Participants

The participants in the workshop will include local partners and related organizations on CBFiM, with a focus on addressing the root causes of forest fires and their socio-ecological consequences in target landscapes in Lao PDR’s Xayaboury and Bokeo provinces. Additionally, representatives from the provincial and district Agriculture and Forestry office, youth unions, army and the Provincial Women Advancement/Lao Women Union will also attend the training.

Expected outcomes

The expected outcomes of the workshop are as follows:

• Participants will gain an understanding of the latest technologies, strategies and best practices in forest fire management.
• Participants will be able to integrate gender concerns in the planning and implementation of forest fire management plans.
• Participants will have the ability to use technologies introduced at the event to enhance their firefighting capabilities together with communities.
• The participants will develop a better collaborative network that can support ongoing knowledge exchange and cooperation in the field of forest fire management.
• Participants will be able to apply skills for raising awareness of forest fires and how to manage them at the community level.