Ensuring people's rights in forest resources: revisiting the role of Civil Society

Despite changes in forestry policies to allow local communities to take control over national forests in Nepal, efforts in facilitating devolution of power fail to recognize the rights of the people instead of the mercy of the state. This paper highlights some fundamental issues that are at the root of many felt problems such as inequity, passive management of forests, limited access of the poor, and marginalization in decision making. The author proposes that the rights-based approach that focuses on local rights and organizing people can bring change, and the civil society can play a significant role in this regard.