Baghmara Community Forest has become a model of sustainable community forest conservation in Nepal. Baghmara Community Forest is located on the northeast boundary of Royal Chitwan National Park in Bachhauli Village Development Committee (VDC).

History

The Baghmara was once a dense forest and a famous hunting ground for the tiger, and hence given the name Baghmara (Bagh-Tiger, mara-kill). Over the last 20 years, due to lack of attention from government authorities and increasing needs of the local people, the forest has been degraded and overgrazed.

In 1990 an area of 32 ha was covered with fast-growing indigenous tree species, by 1997 the total area increased to 4000 ha. The plantation area was officially handed over to the local users as Baghmara Community Forest on June 15, 1995.

Community managed ecotourism in Baghmara has been able to generate local guardianship in the conservation of the biological diversity of the area. The community forest has also increased the animal habitats, while still meeting a large percentage of the villager’s demand for fuelwood and fodder. The economic incentives created from tourism also help to decrease pressure on the park because when people are economically well off they will be able to afford alternatives.

External Links:

• Baghmara Community Forest: A Community managed Eco-tourism enterprise
• Baghmara Community Forestry: A Community Based Natural Resources Management Practice in Lowland Nepal
• The Baghmara Community Forest: An Example of Linkages between Community Forestry and Ecotourism