On 20 March, AFAC hosted a delegation from the Government of Nepal who visited as part of an Australian Government-supported fact-finding mission to understand Australia’s approach to bushfire management.  

Nepal historically has been spared from significant wildfires and like many parts of the world are managing the impact of a changing climate. Last year, 17 people died in Nepal during a wildfire event, so the Australian Government is providing support to manage the changing threat in the Himalayan environment.

To support the Government of Nepal’s emergency management capability, a study tour to Australia was coordinated with the support of Australian National University Honorary Senior Lecturer Tony Bartlett as the Australian technical advisor. Some will remember Tony from his long history in Australian fire management roles at the senior level.

During their visit to the AFAC Office in East Melbourne, the Nepalese delegation was welcomed by AFAC CEO Rob Webb, who provided an overview of the governance and partnerships across Australasia’s emergency management sector.

AFAC Deputy Director, Operations Emma Conway outlined AFAC’s international partnerships and mutual aid coordinated through the AFAC National Resource Sharing Centre, and National Aerial Firefighting Centre Director Josephine Stirling provided a comprehensive overview of aircraft and aerial firefighting arrangements. AFAC Executive Director, National Capability Sandra Whight closed the session with a presentation about prescribed burning and fuel management.

Each presentation generated questions and positive discussions between the presenters and the delegation. While in Victoria, the study tour also visited Emergency Management Victoria, the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, and the Country Fire Authority. The delegation continued to cover several other locations and agencies over the two-week tour.

AFAC was proud to host the Nepalese delegation during their study tour and welcomed the opportunity to share an Australasian perspective to support emergency management capability in Nepal.