NEPAL

Region:	South Asia
Country:	Nepal
Title:	Changing Forest Policies and Institutional Innovations: User Group Approach in Community Forestry of Nepal
Authors:	Bharat Shrestha
Other Info:	(i) Original language: English;

Abstract: This case study begins with a summary of the situation of traditional and indigenous forest management systems prior to nationalization of forests in Nepal in 1957. The associated Forest Act of Nepal and the rules and regulations have been reviewed and their implications logically presented. While some efforts at reversing the trend of deforestation were made during the late 1970s through participatory land development and plantation programs, questions were raised related to the equity, accountability and sustainability of these institutional arrangements. The Master Plan for the Forestry sector of 1988 gave directions to revise the Forest Act and its related legislation in favor of user group management, not only of the forests but also for general development of the villages. This process provided legitimacy to the changes brought about in the forestry sector. However, the author emphasizes the need for clear identification of users through forest boundary demarcation; effective vertical and horizontal linkages to strengthen local institutions; and further dissemination of information about forest policy changes, roles and rights of local communities, in order to achieve long term success of this user group approach.

Email: Bharat@mode.mos.com.np VIEW NEPAL CASE STUDY