A feasibility study of REDD plus in collaborative forest was conducted by NORMS. The overall objectives of the study was to explore possibility of REDD plus implementation in CFM areas. Furthermore the study assessed the bio-physical potentiality of forests in line to climate change adaptation.
The consultant used both quantitative and qualitative data and information for the study. Both the primary and secondary information were used for the study. The study was conducted in a participatory way. Using the participatory methods and approaches, the team identified the feasibility of REDD Plus in collaborative forest management. Therefore the team focused on the collect information of each field site focusing on the analysis of the forest management status and drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in CFM sites.
Nepal’s Forestry Sector Policy 2000 opens the door for collaborative management of forests in Terai. The policy envisioned the management of large Terai block forest with active participation of local communities. This is considered as an important milestone in Nepal’s Terai forest management which has mostly been under the control of the state. The policy was further elaborated and a working directive for CFM was approved by the government in 2003. Based on the directives, concept of collaborative forest management was piloted in three central Terai districts through BISEP-ST aiming to include and increase access to forest resources of distant users.
In Nepal, drivers of deforestation and degradation are diverse, complex and different in the physiographic regions. The preliminary analysis identified a total of nine drivers: High dependency on forest and forest products (timber, firewood and other NTFPs), Illegal harvest of forest products, Unsustainable harvesting practices, Forest fire, Encroachment, Overgrazing, Infrastructure development, Resettlement, and Expansion of invasive species.
The main problem of CFM is implementation of the prepared scheme. The coordination mechanism from DFCC is initiated in the Terai districts but the role of DFCC should be strengthened for the implementation of CFM. The REDD plus is feasible in CFM sites through the implementation of CFM.
Feasibility Study of REDD Plus in Collaborative Forest Management. Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, REDD – Forestry and Climate Change Cell, Babarmahal, Kathmandu. July 2011.
