Abstract: Community forestry in Nepal has a well-documented history of over 25 years. It is now widely perceived as having real capacity for making an effective contribution towards addressing the environmental, socioeconomic and political problems raised by Nepal’s rapid progression from a feudal and isolated state into the modern, globalised world. This paper analyses the evolution of community forestry in Nepal, focusing on how policy, institutions and practical innovations evolved together to create a robust system of community forestry. It highlights the key outcomes of community forestry in the aspects of livelihoods and democracy and identifies two key lessons in relation to forest resource management, social inclusion and contribution to democratization in Nepal. First, mechanisms for policy amendment and revision for community-based forest management need to be based on real-life experiences rather than ad hoc and top-down decision-making. Second, if given complete autonomy and devolution of power, community forest user groups can become viable local institutions for sustaining forests and local democracy, and delivering rural development services by establishing partnership with many NGOs and private sector service providers.
Key words: community forestry, livelihoods, forest user groups, democracy, equity

Collaborative Forest Management in Nepal's Terai: Policy, Practive and Contestation
-James F R Bampton, Arthur Ebregt and Mani Ram Banjade
(Page : 30-43)

Abstract: In the context of weak management focus of valuable large tracts of forest in the Terai, the Government of Nepal introduced collaborative forest management (CFM) as the newest modality of forest management in the country. The CFM model focuses on large contiguous blocks of productive forests in the Terai and Inner Terai. This paper analyses how and why CFM evolved as a policy for Nepal’s Terai forests, progress and issues to date, and the impact so far. The model is being piloted in three central Terai districts by the Department of Forest through a donor-supported programme. The paper also explores contested claims about the CFM model made by civil society groups. It concludes that, despite addressing the genuine need for a multi-stakeholder forestry programme in the Terai, CFM continues to suffer from limited participation of stakeholders in defining and implementing the policy.
Key words: collaborative forest management, Terai, Nepal, decentralization, multi-stakeholder, local government

Buffer Zones: New Frontiers for Participatory Conservation?
-Naya S Paudel, Prabhu Budhathoki and Uday R Sharma
(Page : 44-53)

Abstract: Biodiversity conservation and protected area management are dynamic processes that change over time and space. At present, protected area management is moving towards participatory management as a progressive shift in both concept and approach. Nepal’s conservation history can provide a good example of this paradigm shift. However, the agenda-setting process of conservation still continues to be dominated by government and international agencies, keeping the local people aside and undermining their role. Nevertheless, this paper presents a good model of community-based conservation practised in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. The local knowledge systems and experience of local environment, socio-economy and culture, and technological innovations have been effectively used for sustainable conservation of biodiversity in the area. The experience of the conservation area demonstrates that community-based conservation is a long-term venture that requires more time, integrated effort, democratic spirit and a visible link to local livelihoods.
Key words: protected area, community-based conservation, integrated development, ecotourism