Author: Nalini Kumar

World Bank Technical Paper

Nepal is a leader in engaging communities in forest resource protection and management. The country' s community forestry program is now more than two decades old and has helped regenerate substantial areas of degraded forests. During these two decades, the implementation of the program has not been smooth. Yet, in terms of pursuing a strategy of community participation in forest resource management, Nepal has outdone almost every other country.

This thematic review has a twofold purpose. First, Nepal ' s unique and long experience offers broad lessons for other countries that have just begun supporting community participation initiatives in forest protection and management. Second, it offers lessons pertinent to community-driven development (CDD), an approach rooted in community participation.

The thematic review is in six sections. Chapter 2 pulls together some important summary findings and lessons. Chapter 3 provides a background to the forest sector in Nepal. Chapter 4 looks at the special circumstances that have allowed community forestry to be successful in the mid-hills. Chapter 5 examines the first phase challenges. Chapter 6 explores the second phase challenges.

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