For Environment, Democracy and Livelihoods
This project is a joint initiation of ForestAction Nepal and The Asia Foundation. It aims to foster socio-ecological resilience to climate change by enhancing collaboration between local governments and Community Forest User Groups in Nepal. Recognized as a pioneer in community-based forest management, Nepal’s community forestry model has successfully increased forest cover and promoted local democracy and equitable resource sharing. Despite these successes, gaps remain in maximizing the economic potential of community forests, mainly due to limited collaboration between CFUGs and local governments. This project addresses these challenges by evaluating current regulatory frameworks and identifying opportunities for LG and CFUG partnership to enhance sustainable, productive, and equitable forest management. With a focus on climate resilience, the project will employ comprehensive field assessments, policy reviews, and stakeholder consultations in Galyang and Tikapur municipalities, representing Nepal’s diverse geographic and socio-economic contexts. The outcome of this project will include actionable insights and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening forest governance and fostering sustainable, climate-responsive forest management practices. This initiative will ultimately support long-term resilience, benefiting both local communities and ecosystems.
-Review regulatory arrangements on community forestry and local government interface, identifying key gaps and challenges in management, particularly of CF.
-Carry out an assessment of existing conflict and cooperation between local government and community forestry regarding planning on building social and ecological resilience to climate change through forest-based activities.
-Identify prospects and spaces for functional collaboration, appropriate oversight roles, and resource sharing between local governments, community forest user groups, and the three tiers of government (local, provincial, federal).
The project involved a series of key activities designed to assess and strengthen collaboration between local governments and Community Forest User Groups in Nepal. These activities included:
Policy and Literature Reviews: A comprehensive review of existing laws, policies, and academic literature on community forestry and local governance in Nepal. This analysis helped in identifying gaps, conflicts, and areas for enhanced collaboration.
Field Visits: Conducted in Galyang and Tikapur municipalities, the field visits offered practical insights into the operational realities of LG-CFUG interactions across different regions and ecological zones. This hands-on observation was crucial for understanding local challenges and strengths in forest management.
Key Informant Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders, including municipal officials, CFUG leaders, and representatives from provincial and federal governments. These interviews gathered in-depth perspectives on current regulatory practices, governance challenges, and collaborative opportunities.
Focus Group Discussions: FGDs were held, with particular emphasis on capturing the voices of underrepresented groups, such as women and marginalized communities, to ensure inclusive perspectives in forest governance.
Expert Meetings: Reflective meetings with forestry and policy experts were conducted to discuss preliminary findings, refine insights, and develop targeted recommendations for improving LG-CFUG collaboration.
Overall, this project has laid the groundwork for fostering stronger collaboration between local governments and CFUGs in Nepal, with the aim of bolstering socio-ecological resilience to climate change. Through comprehensive research, field assessments, and stakeholder engagement, the project has identified both challenges and opportunities within existing forest governance frameworks. The project outcomes will not only support ecological conservation but also contribute to the livelihoods and resilience of communities, setting a model for sustainable natural resource governance.