This policy brief identifies these challenges and recommends strategies to foster effective collaboration among DFO, LGs and CFUGs.

Key Messages

Effective collaboration among local government (LGs), Division Forest Offices (DFOs) and community forest user groups (CFUGs) can induce sustainable forest management and enhance socio-ecological resilience to climate change.

Lack of clarity in role and responsibilities, poor institutional collaboration and weak capacities of forest sector institutions at local level has contributed to passive forest management and associated forest hazards.

Inclusive and deliberative governance, climate-resilient planning and initiatives targeting women and marginalized communities can strengthen the link between local governance and community forestry (CF) effectiveness.

Local Forest Act and province -specific policies can clarify roles, improve governance, and empower community participation.

Citation: Badal, D., Karna, B.K., Paudel, N.S., Karki, R. and Banjade, M. 2025. Fostering collaboration between community forestry and local government in Nepal. ForestAction, Lalitpur, Nepal

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