KATHMANDU: A recent meeting led by Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, focused on advancing sustainable forest management through the use of technology.
The discussion was held with representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Sustainable forest management should be aligned with economic productivity, for mere conservation efforts are not enough to this regard.
Spokesperson at the Ministry of Forest, Dr Maheshwar Dhakal, shared the government’s purpose to increase domestic wood production, reduce reliance on foreign imports and create job opportunities in the forest sector. Establishment of a ‘revolving fund’ was proposed by the meeting in a bid to support sustainable practices and encourage engagement of the private sector in the model of public-private-community partnership.
Integration of modern technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence and digital tracking systems featured significantly in the discussion so that forest management, wood collection and monitoring processes would be enhanced.
The ministry was for exploring the use of AI and satellite technology in order to enhance the efforts to curb forest fires. Development of an early warning system and risk mapping for forest fire and empowerment of forest employees were also given emphasis in the discussion.
Essential safety gear and communication technology were imperative to empower community members and forest employees, the discussants added.
