National policy dialogue in Nepal examines role of community forests in changing socio-political, economic and climate contexts

From 19 to 20 December 2024, 100 participants came together in Kathmandu, Nepal to engage in dialogue about the role of community forests within changing socio-political priorities, growing economic opportunities and climate change.

The two-day event facilitated inclusive and comprehensive discussions while highlighting the contributions community forestry has made to promote equity and justice in Nepal. The open discussion format allowed diverse voices representing government, civil society, academia, forest user groups and the private sector to be heard, enabling grassroots community members and policy experts to shape potential solutions.

The first day discussed topics such as policy framework and governance restructuring, community forests as a pathway to economic prosperity, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Participants emphasized the need for clarity of duties across the federal, provincial and local governments in Nepal.

Potential decline in government investments in community forests and the lack of clarity surrounding private sector definitions and roles were brought up as concerning issues. Participants stressed that even though carbon sequestration is often seen as a primary benefit, it is important to consider this a co-benefit that is only part of broader environmental and socio-economic contributions.

They also discussed the Forest Act and its inclusion of Indigenous practices, highlighting the need for research to address governance gaps.

Day two of the dialogue looked at the contribution of community forest to equality, justice and development. Srijana Baral, programme lead for gender equality and social inclusion at RECOFTC, moderated the session.

While Nepal’s community forests do have inclusive policies mandating 50 percent representation from women in leadership roles, challenges and gender disparities persist. Participants emphasized the need to address gender and social inclusion not only as cross-cutting themes but as primary issues.

The two-day dialogue concluded with a summary and synthesis session led by Yam Malla, former executive director of RECOFTC and now advisor to the board of the Center for People and Forests. Participants shared a common view that existing legal frameworks need to be revised to create a conducive investment environment for the private sector. They also agreed that clustering, network building and developing business relationships among community forest user groups should be encouraged while respecting institutional identities. To enhance economic scale, strengthen business capacity and ensure effective management, community forests could be classified based on their size, forest area, biodiversity, production, geographical conditions, and ecosystem service.

Throughout the event, participants engaged actively, deliberating on ways to identify essential opportunities and address policy challenges. The constructive feedback, collaboration and impactful discourses pointed towards the multiple potential solutions and recommended courses of action.

The dialogue was organized by the Ministry of Forests and Environment in support of Forest and Farm Facility and in collaboration with RECOFTC Nepal, FECOFUN and Forest Action Nepal. 

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RECOFTC’s work is made possible with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Government of Sweden.