Technical Assistance to Improve Knowledge and Innovative Policy for Forest Fire Reduction in Northern Thailand 

Objective 

To improve knowledge and introduce innovative policy options to reduce instances of forest fire by working in close collaboration with private sector, local communities, regional academic institutions, and local and national government. 

Challenge 

This activity tackles the longstanding issue of forest fires causing environmental damage in Northern Thailand. Over the past two decades, forest fires in Northern Thailand have caused severe forest degradation and biodiversity loss. In recent years, the government has taken several steps to address these issues, including through the introduction of a ban on open burning and through community level pilot projects. However, a number of obstacles impede progress and scale: 

• Lack of innovation in value chain governance and sustainable community development .
• Absence of integrated early warning systems 
• Knowledge gaps on landscape monitoring 

To develop effective policies to address this challenge, creating a unified vision among agencies and developing an integrated approach that encompasses science, economics, regulations, and technology are needed. 

Approach 

This activity seeks to integrate existing knowledge with participatory and innovative policy approaches. It involves incorporating disruptive technologies, institutional arrangements, and budget allocation strategies tailored to reduce forest fires in high-risk areas of northern Thailand. Collaboration with stakeholders, such as government agencies, the private sector, and communities, will enable the identification and implementation of necessary policy adjustments and alternative agricultural practices that would lead to sustainably reducing the level of forest fire in the key landscapes. 

In addition, the activity will focus on improving the livelihoods for people living near national reserved forests and conservation areas. Recognizing that western Cambodia and southern Laos face similar challenges, technical counterparts from these countries will be invited to dissemination workshops to learn from the implemented solutions. Through such knowledge sharing, the activity can bolster its impact by expanding awareness of cost effective practices for reducing forest fires among neighboring countries.