TitleMeasuring impacts of community forestry program through repeat photography and satellite remote sensing in the Dolakha district of Nepal
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsNiraula, RR, Gilani, H, Pokharel, BK, Qamer, FM
JournalJournal of Environmental Management
Volume126
Pagination20 - 29
Date Published09/2013
ISBN Number0301-4797
Keywordscommunity forestry, Repeat photography, Satellite imagery and forest management
Abstract

<p>AbstractDuring the 1990's community-based forest management gained momentum in Nepal. This study systematically evaluates the impacts that this had on land cover change and other associated aspects during the period 1990–2010 using repeat photography and satellite imagery in combination with interviews with community members. The results of the study clearly reflect the success of community-based forest management in the Dolakha district of the mid-hills of Nepal: during the study period, the rate of conversion of sparse forest into dense forest under community-based management was found to be between 1.13% and 3.39% per year. Similarly, the rate of conversion of non-forest area into forest was found to be between 1.11% and 1.96% per year. Community-based forest management has resulted in more efficient use of forest resources, contributed to a decline in the use of slash-and-burn agricultural practices, reduced the incidence of forest fires, spurred tree plantation, and encouraged the conservation and protection of trees on both public and private land. The resulting reclamation of forest in landside areas and river banks and the overall improvement in forest cover in the area has reduced flash floods and associated landslides.</p>

URLhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479713002429
DOI10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.04.006
 

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