For Environment, Democracy and Livelihoods
We invite submissions for a special issue of Journal of Forest and Livelihood on forest economy, policy, and governance in the context of Nepal. Forests play crucial role in supporting Nepal’s rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. However, they are increasingly shaped by shifting economic priorities, policy reforms, and local governance dynamics. In Nepal’s context, this is especially the case following the federal restructuring of the state, where three tiers of government play important role in shaping the management and oversight of forests. Moreover, changing socio-economic dynamics, emerging economic pressures, policy shifts, and changing governance structures are reshaping how forest resources are accessed, managed, and valued.
This special issue aims to bring together interdisciplinary perspectives that examine the evolving relationships between forest resources, community institutions, markets, and state policies. In doing so, it aims to generate evidence and insights that can inform policy debates, strengthen governance frameworks, and support more inclusive and sustainable forest-based economies. We welcome contributions that offer empirical insights, critical analyses, and innovative approaches to understanding how forest economy and governance are being negotiated and transformed across Nepal. Opinions, research papers, commentaries, case studies, reviews, and other relevant contributions are welcome for submission.
We welcome interdisciplinary contributions across forest economy, management, policy and governance covering (but not limited to) the following subjects:
1. Forest-based livelihoods and economies
2. Forest management in the federalism context
3. Markets, value chains, and private sector engagement
4. Forest policy reform and institutional strengthening
5. Forest economy and regulatory challenges
6. Indigenous knowledge and local forest governance
7. Changing forest economies and outmigration
8. Political economy of forestry sector
9. Forest tenure systems, community participation, and livelihood impacts
10. Carbon market and economic returns from forests
11. Industrial transformation of forestry (e.g., timber, non-timber forest products)
Submission email: submission@forestaction.org, CC: aayush@forestaction.org
For more information: aayush@forestaction.org