Locally controlled forestry in Nepal – needed now more than ever

Ramesh Prasad Bhushal

Forests are Nepal’s major natural resource and a highly debated issue at political and civil society level. With ups and downs in the political system in the country, the rights over forest resources have been slowly shifting from the rulers or government to the communities. The debate is at a climax now, as the country is busy preparing a new constitution and the communities are demanding that rights over forest resources be included and that forests should be locally controlled.

This edition of Forest Voices takes a look back over the history of community forestry in Nepal throughout the recent turbulent decades and draws conclusions which could help to influence the future of the country's forestry sector.

[Read more in full article attached below]

The ‘Forest voices’ series aims, through the work of local journalists, to provide insight into the forestry context in each of these countries and illustrate how locally controlled forestry and partnerships are working in practice on the ground.