Policy Dialogue on Fostering an enabling environment for forest-based enterprises in Nepal

On 29th May, Wednesday, ForestAction Nepal with the support of the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu, and in collaboration with FECOFUN, FenFIT, and NEHHPA organized a half-day policy dialogue titled ‘Fostering an enabling environment for forest-based enterprises in Nepal: From shared understanding to devisable strategies’ at Hotel Sankar, Kathmandu. The main agenda of the dialogue was to develop a common understanding of the issues surrounding forest enterprise and develop strategies for reforming forestry ideologies to promote prosperity.

A total of 36 participants including Ms. Kavita Kasynathan, Head of Development Cooperation at the Australian Embassy in Nepal was present at the dialogue. In the first half of the dialogue, representatives from FECOFUN, FenFIT, NEHHPA, and ForestAction Nepal presented their experiences, lessons, and proposals on forest-based enterprises. Various issues related to forestry enterprise were discussed, such as timber and non-timber production, Nepal’s herb investment and production, and women’s involvement in forest restoration and enterprise. In the second half, a moderated discussion on the presentation took place. Through the discussion, various issues include the need for a proper business plan in the forestry enterprises, lack of research and development on timber production, lack of innovation and technological approaches, insufficient market access, non-tariff obligations in such sector, etc.

Mr. Badri Dhungana, the Planning Division Chief of the Ministry of Forest and Environment, further highlighted that “The country’s socio-political ecology is causing tremendous transition of forestry. There is a vital need to bridge the gap between individual benefits and national benefits from the initiation of forestry enterprise.”

The forest-based enterprise policy dialogue has become an important stepping stone to bring policymakers, local government, academia, and civil society organizations together to discuss and develop a common understanding of the problems and advocate for the better promotion and sustainable development of forest-based enterprises.

Policy dialogue on “Community institutions and forest-based enterprises: Prospects of transformation”

While the Government of Nepal has set the goal of achieving prosperity from forestry, the country holding 44.74% of forest area demonstrates the prospects of forest based enterprises. Along with the ambition, there are a range of challenges that have been rather discouraged in promoting community-based forest enterprises in Nepal. Community institutions are facing several challenges in the establishment and operation of forest-based enterprises. With the aim to discuss opportunities and challenges in promoting forest-based enterprises and laying out ways forward, ForestAction Nepal, in support from the Australian Government, organized a policy dialogue on “Community institutions and forest-based enterprises: Prospects of transformation” on 6th June 2023. A diverse group of actors from the government, non-government, civil society, private sector, local government among others expressed their views during the event.
Click here to download the event report