Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwichan Phatthanaphraiwan, a lecturer and a researcher from the Research Unit for Indigenous and Ethno-Ecological Wisdom for Sustainable Development (RIEW-SD), School of Liberal Arts, Mae Fah Luang University, was invited by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to participate in the regional academic exchange titled "Regional Exchange on Indigenous Integrated Fire Stewardship Practices and Knowledge." Held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 20–24 April 2026, the forum brought together Indigenous leaders and practitioners working on fire management through socio-cultural lenses from 12 countries across the Asia sociocultural region, as well as experts and officials from the FAO Headquarters in Rome and representatives from the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.
Organised under FAO’s support for the International Indigenous‑led Fire Adaptation Network (IIFAN) through the Global Fire Management Hub, this event served as a vital academic platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences in Indigenous Integrated Fire Stewardship. The forum aimed to promote south‑south learning and foster Indigenous‑led solutions for resilient and inclusive fire and forest management.
During the exchange, Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwichan Phatthanaphraiwan presented his research titled: "The Dynamics of Fire Stewardship as Constituted through Ethnic Knowledge Systems and Situated Practices in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand." This study, supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) for the 2025–2026 fiscal years, analyzes how fire management is shaped by ethnic knowledge and localized practices. The research is significant in expanding the fire management framework beyond technical dimensions into the realms of socio-cultural ecology.
In addition to the academic presentation, Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwichan shared cultural insights through a Pga k’nyau (Karen) musical performance. The performance reflected the spiritual relationship between humanity and the "fire landscape"—a core element of cultural ecology. This transdisciplinary approach effectively bridged academic theory with the lived experiences of ethnic communities.
Participation in this forum marks a significant step in fostering regional dialogue on the role of Indigenous Peoples as "fire stewards." This role transcends mere fire control, encompassing: holistic care of the environment, preservation of ecological diversity, and ensuring long-term harmony through a framework grounded in rights, traditional knowledge, and cultural sovereignty.
