For Environment, Democracy and Livelihoods
The project, “Promoting ecologically sound and socially just forest landscape restoration through co-production of knowledge and local capacity building,” aims to address the pressing issues of forest degradation and biodiversity loss in the central Himalaya. It seeks to establish a more inclusive and ecologically informed approach to forest restoration by integrating scientific research, traditional knowledge, and the needs of local communities. The project will develop strategies and frameworks for sustainable restoration practices and enhance the capacities of local actors. By using a participatory approach, the project will produce actionable knowledge to guide restoration efforts across diverse ecological regions leading to resilient forest landscapes and enhanced socio-ecological outcomes.
The overall objective is to promote ecologically sound and socially just forest landscape restoration through informed strategies, proactive involvement, and enhanced capacities of stakeholders. The specific objectives are:
– Improving the rehabilitation of forest and ecological systems.
-Developing guiding and strategies for site-based and data-informed restoration approaches.
– Providing training on skill development initiatives.
– Building capacity of stakeholders at local, regional and national level.
– Forming network of restoration practitioners.
Activity 1: Comparative Assessment of Restoration Strategies.
Details: This activity involves a detailed ecological and social assessment of existing restoration strategies across different ecological zones in Nepal. It includes ecological sampling, surveys, and participatory methods involving local communities and experts.
Expected Outcome: Development of a comprehensive database on the performance of various restoration strategies, contributing to informed decisions about best practices for specific biophysical conditions.
Activity 2: Development of Restoration Manual.
Details: A landscape restoration manual will be developed based on review of global principles and local practices, stakeholder consultation and discussions along with landscape restoration guiding frameworks. The manual will be used to guide practitioners in the implementation of ecologically sound and socially just restoration practices.
Expected Outcomes: Establishment of widely acceptable restoration manual focusing on practical, step-by-step guidance for restoration activities tailored to local environmental and social context.
Activity 3: Capacity Building Workshops
Details: Capacity needs assessment, exposure visits, and training and workshops will be conducted for local stakeholders, including government officials, CSOs and IPLCs. The session will focus on the restoration manual application and identification of best practices from the project.
Expected Outcomes: Enhanced local capacity for implementing effective forest landscape restoration strategies, with a strong network of trained restoration champions.
Activity 4: Establishment of a Multi-Stakeholder Restoration Platform
Details: The project will establish a platform for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among various restoration actors where sharing of knowledge, experiences, and resources will be conducted.
Expected Outcomes: Enhanced coordination and cooperation among stakeholders towards cohesive and comprehensive restoration efforts.
