| Abstract | Nepal Madhyasthata Samuha is an inter-institutional forum which aims to enhance understanding of the causes and impacts of conflicts over natural resources; it was formed in August 1994 by ICIMOD. The forum represents senior policymakers, NGOs, professionals from bilateral programmes, and other persons interested in conflict resolution. Since its inception the Samuha has participated in 2 training programmes on conflict resolution, generated several case studies on conflicts in community forestry, and organized a seminar and a workshop. This paper gives an overview of how conflicts in community forestry in Nepal have arisen, and outlines a framework within which the various stakeholders operate. Conflicts are shown to be both within and between user groups, and between user groups and the Department of Forests. Each type of conflict offers different lessons and location-specific approaches to conflict resolution. |