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Consolidating multi-stakeholder process in forest

policy decisions through Ban Chautari (forest

dialogue) in Nepal

Final Report

Dil Bahadur Khatri

Dipak BK

Naya Sharma Paudel

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Table of contents

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 3

1.1. Background and rationale .......................................................................................................... 3

1.2. Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 4

1.3. Approach and strategies ............................................................................................................ 4

2. Activities accomplished in 2011 ...................................................................................... 5

2.1. Preparatory work for Van Chautari ........................................................................................... 5

2.2. Organized Ban Chautaris ........................................................................................................... 5

2.3. Post Chautari activities (communication and outreach) ........................................................... 7

3. Achievements of 2011 ..................................................................................................... 11

4. Overall achievement of partnership with GFP in Nepal ............................................... 14

5.1. Outputs .................................................................................................................................... 14

5.2. Outcomes ................................................................................................................................. 15

5.3. Policy outcomes (influence)..................................................................................................... 15

5. Lessons for future policy dialogue ................................................................................. 16

Annexes: ................................................................................................................................ 18

Annex 1: Summary report of Ban Chautari annual review workshop ................................................. 18

Annex 2: Summary report of Ban Chautaries ...................................................................................... 20

Annex 2: Detail description of communication and outreach activities ............................................. 36

List of Tables:

Table 1: Summary of Ban Chautari organized in 2011 ............................................................................. 6

Table 2: Summary information of booklets published ............................................................................. 7

Table 3: Overview of TV progam developed and broadcasted based on Ban Chautaries........................ 9

Table 4: Summary information on Radio Programs developed and broadcasted ................................. 10

Table 5: Overview of feature articles published in Newspapers based on Ban Chautari ....................... 11

Table 6: Summary table showing policy contribution of Ban Chautaries ............................................... 12

Table 7: Summary of dialogues conducted ............................................................................................. 14

Table 8: Summary of communication and outreach .............................................................................. 15

List of figures:

Figure 1: Step by step schematic framework for organising a Ban Chautari ........................................... 4

Figure 2: Gender ratio of Ban Chautari participants ............................................................................... 13

Figure 3: Representation in Ban Chautaris ............................................................................................. 13

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1. Introduction

1.1. Background and rationale

Maximising policy impact of research through strengthening research-policy link has been a

chronic challenge in public policy process. ForestAction has been engaging in research and

policy dialogue for more than a decade and is experimenting diverse modalities for enhancing

communication and effectiveness within multi-stakeholder processes. In this process, a small

group of civil society organizations (ForestAction, the Federation of Community Forestry

Users, Nepal (FECOFUN), Nepal Foresters‘ Association (NFA) and ASMITA Nepal) formed

a consortium and initiated a catalytic multi-stakeholder forest policy dialogue in partnership

with Growing Forest Partnership (GFP) in 2010.

The consortium members are working together to understand dynamics of forest policy

process and are exploring avenues for creating deliberative spaces for forest sector policy

processes. During the first phase of this initiative, the consortium worked together to identify

anomalies and key hurdles underpinning forest policy formulation process. The enriched

understanding is accompanied with some innovative strategies for supporting more deliberative

public discussion on policy process. Public consultation meetings at local, regional and national

level organised during the first phase demanded for more public oriented, informed, open and

constructive dialogue around any policy agenda before the policies get decided by the

authorities. So far, dialogues at various levels have categorically identified different policy issues

that need rigorous analysis and stakeholder dialogue. Based on collective lessons and insights,

we proposed to introduce the idea and practice of Van Cahutari as a unique platform that

allows accessible and non competing space for debating all relevant forest policy agenda. This

brief note describes the structure and process proposed Van Chautari.

The design and operation of Van Chautari has provided a common, multi-stakeholder regular

forum for all policy actors. There is a steering committee comprising consortium members and

key individuals outside the consortium with history of significant contribution to democratising

forest policy process. The collective decision of the consortium members provided day to day

operational supports –institutional, human resources and financial resources. However, the

general structure of the Chautari remained slightly porous providing an opportunity for the

inclusion of those willing to contribute. Apart from the resources and expertise within the

consortium members, the Chautari mobilised expertise and resources outside the members for

facilitating effective and productive debate on forest policy agenda.

This report presents key achievements of partnership with GFP in Nepal for catalyzing

restructuring forest sector policy process towards more deliberative and democratic process.

Key focus of the report will be presenting results and achievements of 2011 activities. The final

section will also provide overall achievement of partnership with GFP since 2010.

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1.2. Objectives

1. Consolidate multistakeholder forums for informed debate on forest policy process 2. Institutionalise common platform for critical dialogue on contemporary policy agenda in

forestry sector 3. Bring forest policy decisions into public debate where every policy agenda is scrutinized

through broader public policy perspectives

1.3. Approach and strategies

Ban Chautari is the specially designed multi-stakeholder policy dialogue that combines

diagnostic analysis with public policy dialogue. The process constitutes a series of consultation,

documentation, analysis, synthesis and communication as embedded elements. It is aimed at

enhancing stakeholders‘ understanding around contemporary policy issues through an

informed debate based on critical diagnostic analysis, expert critique and moderated exchange

of stakeholders view.

Figure 1 Step by step schematic framework for organising a Ban Chautari

Each Ban Chautari consists of series of carefully thought and designed steps (figure 1). Once

the specific policy issue is identified, the diagnostic analysis is carried out involving the

genealogy of the problem, arguments for and against, actor mapping, suggested solutions and

responses and the knowledge gap for better understanding. Some 4-6 experts on the specific

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Box 1: Ban Chautari Steering Committee

1. Hemanta Ojha, Forest Governance Expert

2. Ghanashyan Pandey, Global Alliance of

Community Forestry (GACF)

3. Apsara Chapagain, Federation of Community

Forest Users‘ Nepal (FECOFUN)

4. Bharati Pathak, Asmita Nepal

5. Devesh Mani Tripathi, Nepal Foresters

Association (NFA)

6. Naya Sharma Paudel, ForestAction Nepal

7. Dil Bahadur Khatri (member secretary), GFP

Nepal Coordinator on behalf of ForestAction

Nepal.

8. Representative of Department of Forest

policy issue are identified, informed on the content and provided with available literature on

issue. They were supplied with relevant questions in advance in which they would put their

arguments. 30-40 participants representing different stakeholders and fields of experiences were

invited. Researcher presents the diagnostic analysis followed by comments and views from

panelists. After brief presentation by the panelists, the floor is open for moderated discussion.

Finally, someone presents the summary of the discussion followed by formal closing. This

follows media interactions in TV/FM, documentary and feature articles. A booklet on each

major policy issue documenting the substantive debate as well as methodological insights is

prepared and published.

2. Activities accomplished in 2011

2.1. Preparatory work for Van Chautari

To institutionalize the idea of combining

quick and timely diagnostic studies with

multi-stakeholder policy dialogue through

the Ban Cahutari, the GFP Nepal team

formed a steering including key policy

actors and GFP consortium members (See

box 1 for composition of steering

committee). The committee has been

responsible to provide overall guidance to

the Ban Chautari process. The committee

met regularly and identified key forest sector

policy issues for multi-stakeholder dialogue.

Diagnostic studies were conducted on the

policy issues identified for stakeholder

dialogue. The results of the studies were

presented at the beginning of the Chautaries

which served as background information for the discussion in Ban Chautaries. Some of the

studies, especially conducted by ForestAction were ended up with discussion paper which were

published and shared widely. The presentations based on the diagnostic studies were made

available on website along with the synthesis report of the Chautari.

2.2. Organized Ban Chautaris

Ban Chautari is a public platform that provides an open interactive space on all relevant forest

policy agendas in which contemporary forest policy issues are debated. It is being governed by

a steering committee comprising of all important civil society actors involved in forest policy

dialogue seeking to provide significant contribution to democratizing forest policy process. The

steering committee developed a broad framework for the modus operandi of the Chautari and

the consortium members (ForestAction, FECOFUN, NFA and Asmita Nepal) developed

operational norms to organize and facilitate the debate. The process remained slightly porous

providing an opportunity for the inclusion of those willing to contribute. The Chautari

mobilized expertise and resources beyond the supporting consortium members for sustaining

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and expanding productive dialogue on forest policy agenda. Ban Chautaries organized in 2011

are as follows:

Table 1: Summary of Ban Chautari organized in 2011

S.

N

Issue of Ban Chautari Organized date

and Venue

Organizer Co-

organizer

Participant

s

1. Restructuring protected

areas: Exploring

democratic governance

framework of conservation

area in Nepal

July 3rd, 2011;

SAP Falcha,

Babarmahal

FECOFUN ForestActio

n

Male: 47

Female: 10

Total: 57

2. Poverty reduction through

forestry: Exploring

strategies to realize

economic benefits of

timber management in

Nepal

July 7th, 2011;

SAP Falcha,

Babarmahal

ForestAction FECOFUN Male: 43

Female: 5

Total: 48

3. Scientific forest

management: opportunities

and challenges

19th July, 2011;

DoF, Babarmahal

Nepal

Foresters

Association

(NFA)

- Male: 47

Female: 7

Total: 54

4. Forest Enterprise:

Opportunities and

Challenges in the context

of Nepal

1st August, 2011;

SAP Falcha,

Babarmahal

Asmita Nepal HIMAWAN

TI Nepal

Male: 40

Female: 20

Total:62

5. Revisiting PA buffer zones:

Exploring legal and

institutional reforms in

buffer zone management

20th-21st October,

2011;

SAP Falcha,

Babarmahal

ForestAction Community

Developmen

t

Organizatio

n (CDO)

Male: 43

Female: 6

Total: 49

6. Nepal‘s Green Forest:

Green Economy or Black

Money?

24th November,

2011;

Indreni Complex,

New Baneshwor

Asmita Nepal HIMAWAN

TI Nepal

Male: 57

Female: 12

Total: 69

7. Terai forest management:

issues, opportunities and

challenges

4th December,

2011;

SAP Falcha,

Babarmahal

NFA - Male: 43

Female: 7

Total: 50

8. Roll of Communities and

challenges in Chure

Conservation

11th December,

2011

Sidhartha Food

Land, Old

Baneshwor

FECOFUN CDO Male: 39

Female: 10

Total: 49

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Gist of the Ban Chautaries was captured in a brief report (less than two pages) which is

attached in annex 1 of this report. After accomplishment of the all 9 (including one conducted

in collaboration with IIED) in 2011, first annual review of the Ban Chautari was conducted in

30th December in Kathmandu. The aim of the review was to to share the outcomes of 9

Chautaries and lessons of conducting informed policy dialogues with policy communities and

forest sector stakeholders. Brief report of the review workshop is attached in annex 1.

2.3. Post Chautari activities (communication and outreach)

As discussed earlier each Ban Chautari consists of a comprehensive package of activities

including pre-Chautari preparation, conduction of dialogue and post-Chautari communication

andoutreach activities. The post-Chautari activities are meant to communicate the key message

of the Chautaries to wider audience through different means. This section provides the

overview of post-Chautari communication and outreach activities conducted in 2011.

a. Synthesis report of Chautaries

Key message of each Ban Chautari was captured in a synthesis report. The reports of all 8

Chautaries were prepared and circulated to all participants of Chautari, forest sector

stakeholders and GFP partners. Reports are also uploaded in ForestAction and GFP websites.

Gist of Ban Chautaries was also captured in a brief synthesis report which is attached in annex

2.

b. Booklet

Considering that the Ban Cahutari events were only participated by key national level

stakeholders and experts, the key policy issues discussed in the Ban Cahutaries were captured in

a booklet written in Nepali language. The purpose of writing and publishing booklets was to

communicate the key policy issues to sub-national and grass-root levels. As shown in the

following table, each consortium partner (there were 4 consortium members) published one

booklet capturing the key message of Chautaries convened by the respective organization.

Elaborated version of the table is provided in annex 3.

Table 2: Summary information of booklets published

SN Title of Booklet Authors Publisher

1 Forest and Poverty: Economic

potentiality of timber management

and challenges in Nepal

Mani Ram Banjade, Naya Sharma Paudel,

Rahul Karki, Ramesh Sunam and Bijaya

Raj Paudel (English edition)

Bidya Nath Jha, Dipak BK and Rajesh

Bista (Nepali translation and editing)

ForestAction

2 Peoples‘ movement for community

right in Gaurishankar Conservation

Area

Bhola Khatiwoda, Dipak BK and Thakur

Bhandari

FECOFUN

3 Green forest of Nepal: Green

economy or a black money?

Ghanashyam Pandey Asmita

Nepal

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4 Terai forest management: issues,

opportunities and challenges

Dr. Jagannath Joshi, Deveshmani Tripathi

and Kumud Shrestha

NFA

c. Policy brief and discussion papers

With the objective of communicating the idea of linking diagnostic analysis key policy issues

with research with multi-stakeholder policy dialogues through Ban Chautari to the policy

communities and international audience, ForestAction on behalf of GFP Nepal team prepared

policy brief and discussion paper. These two knowledge products captured essence of Ban

Chautari where critical action research has been linked to policy dialogue with the aim of

informing national forest policy process. The policy brief covered the following key messages.

Ban Chautari has created credible platform for informed debate on contemporary forest

policy issues

Critical enquiry informed by transformative political agenda help stakeholders revisit their

positions

Policy events must be the part of series of complementary elements involving analysis,

discussion, synthesis and communication

Informed debate can help appreciate multiple views and build stakeholder trust

Similarly the discussion paper argued that the multi-stakeholder policy dialogues could be

instrumental to inform the national policy processes if informed with quick and timely

diagnostic studies. Such dialogues are helpful to inform the stakeholders on key policy issues

and contestations and narrow down the gap between the stakeholders and policy actors.

Abstract of the discussion papers is provided in the box below. Copies of the discussion paper

and policy brief are available electronically and in printed form.

This paper argues that multi-stakeholder policy dialogue combined with diagnostic analysis of contemporary

policy issues induces informed debate through constructive and sustained engagement of stakeholders. The paper

examines the process and outcomes of the 9 Ban Chautari processes facilitated jointly by a civil society consortium

in Nepal. It also draws heavily from their experience and insights in influencing forest policy process in Nepal.

It is found that the specifically designed Ban Chautaris that equally recognise the scientific research and the

political positioning of stakeholders became helpful in garnering sustained interests, inducing active engagement

and generating a fruitful debate among the stakeholders. It is argued that the forest policy dialogue under Ban

Chautari have induced qualitative differences with other policy dialogue and have substantially contributed to

informed policy debate on many issues.

d. Media engagement

It was very crucial to communicate the key forest sector policy issues discussed in the Ban

Chautaries to the general public. Realizing this importance, GFP Nepal program made

provision to engage with mass media. The key policy issues and debates came out from the

Chautaries were brought to the general public through both electronic and print media. The

summery of media activities is provided in this section.

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TV programs

TV programs either captured the key highlights of Chaitaries or convened moderated

stakeholders dialogues on the forest policy issues. The purpose of the TV programs was to

inform the policy communities on key forest policy issues and contestations. Following table

provides glimpse of the TV program detail of which is attached in annex 3.

Table 3: Overview of TV progam developed and broadcasted based on Ban Chautaries

SN Title of TV program

Program title Duration Broadcasted date/s and media house

Responsible organization

1 Aankhi Jhyal

Revisiting PA buffer zones: Exploring legal and institutional reforms in buffer zone management

15 min. 29th November, 2011(Tuesday) at 5:00 pm in NTV and

29th November, 2011 (Tuesday) at 6:30 pm in Avenues TV

(Same program was telecasted from both media houses)

ForestAction

2 Serofero Community rights in Gauri Shankar Conservation Area (GCA)

15 Min May 27, 2011 (From NTV 2)

FECOFUN

Serofero Community right in Protected Areas in Nepal

15 Min October 24, 2011 (From NTV 2)- Part one

Serofero Community right in Protected Areas in Nepal (part two)

15 Min October 31, 2011 (From NTV 2)- Part two

Serofero Rastrapati Chure Conservation program and the role of local communities

15 Min December 5, 2011 (From NTV 2)- Part One

Serofero Rastrapati Chure Conservation program and the role of local communities (part two)

15 Min December 12, 2011 (From NTV 2)- Part two

3 Aankhi Jhyal

Scientific forest management: issues, opportunities and challenges

24 Min 30 sec

December 27, 2011 (Tuesday) at 6:30 pm in Avenues TV

NFA

4 Kathmandu Web

Enterprise and forest governance for poverty reduction in Nepal

16 Min October 30, 2011 (at 8:30 PM in Sagarmatha TV)

Asmita

Serofero Reporting of Ban Chautaries 10 Min November 28, 2011 (7:30 PM in NTV-2)

Asmita

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Radio programs

Like TV programs, the Radio programs also captured key policy issues discussed in Ban

Chautaries. Those programs were targeted to wider audience including local communities. The

following table provides glimpse of Radio program developed and broadcasted during 2011.

Table 4: Summary information on Radio Programs developed and broadcasted

SN Title/theme of Radio program Radio station and program

Broadcasted date Responsible organization

1 Revisiting PA buffer zones: Exploring legal and institutional reforms in buffer zone management

Radio Sagarmatha ( Khulla Manch)

Saturday October 22, 2011 at 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM

ForestAction

2 Forest and Poverty: Economic potentiality of timber management and challenges in Nepal

Radio Sagarmatha (Khulla Manch)

Saturday, July 9th , 2011 at 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM

ForestAction

3 Rastrapati Chure Conservation program and the role of local communities

Radio Sagarmatha ( Batabaran Dabali)

December 15, 2011 at 7:30 to 8: 30 AM

FECOFUN

4 Rastrapati Chure Conservation program and the role of local communities (Open discussion among experts)

Radio Sagarmatha (Batabaran Dabali)

December 25, 2011 at 12:15 PM to 1: 15 PM

FECOFUN

5 Tension in Terai Forest Radio Nepal (Ban Ko Bises reporting)

December 4, 2011 at 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

NFA

6 Scientific Forest Management in Nepal

Radio Nepal (Ban Ko Bises reporting)

January 4, 2012 at 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

NFA

7 Forest based enterprise development and provisions in CF guideline

Makawanpur FM ( Ban Chautari Karyakram)

December 11, 2011 at 7:30 AM- Par one

Asmita

Makawanpur FM (Ban Chautari Karyakram)

December 18, 2011 at 7:30 AM- Par two

Asmita

Proposal of Forest Act 1993 amendment and community response

Makawanpur FM (Ban Chautari Karyakram)

December 25, 2011 at 7:30 AM

Asmita

CF resource mobilization on community development

Makawanpur FM (Ban Chautari Karyakram)

January 1, 2012 at 7:30 AM

Asmita

8 Issue in forestry sector and peoples‘ right

Prakriti FM (Forest and Environemnt Program)

December 21, 2011 at 6:30 AM

Asmita

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Feature articles:

Journalists working on the issue of natural resource management and forestry were actively

participated in the Ban Chautaries who captured the key message of the events in newspaper

articles and published in national daily news papers. The following table provides overview of

the feature articles published in 2011.

Table 5: Overview of feature articles published in Newspapers based on Ban Chautari

SN Title of Article Published media and Date Author Responsible organization

1 Samudaya Jage Pachhi (When people unite)

Annapurna Post/Jun 8, 2011 Krishna Murari Bhandari

ForestAction

2 Ghar Uthaune Kath (Timber for house construction)

Annapurna Post/27th July, 2011 Krishna Murari Bhandari

ForestAction

3 Gaurabmaya project Hawadari Sanchalan (Ad hoc management of prestigious project)

Annapurna Post/November 16, 2011

Krishna Murari Bhandari

FECOFUN

4 Terai Sake, Bhabar Sake, Palo Chure ko (Deforestation is shifting from Terai to Chure)

Annapurna Post/December 21, 2011

Krishna Murari Bhandari

FECOFUN

5 Kath Karmachariko Kandai Kanda

Annapurna Post/ Pitamber Sigdel Asmita

6 Palo Aba Harit Arthatantrako (This is time of Green Economy)

Annapurna Post/October 10, 2011

Pitamber Sigdel Asmita

7 Sankat ma Sagarnath Ban

Sagarnath forest in risk)

Naya Patrika/ December 7, 2011 Pramod Tandan NFA

8 Ban Bata Barsik 39 Arba rupaiyan Aamdani Hune

(Forest can earn billion a year)

Naya Patrika/ December 17, 2011

Pramod Tandan NFA

3. Achievements of 2011

The Ban Chautari has resulted in increased stakeholders‘ commitment to engage in policy

dialogue. Stakeholders who were previously not very enthusiastic in such dialogue or tended to

avoid interface have now started showing their interests and have began to contribute. They

have felt comfortable in sharing and exchange despite visible differences in substantive policy

agenda. Government officials, FECOFUN leaders, timber entrepreneurs, researchers and CSO

activists are now engaged in exchange of constructive arguments on a range of policy issues.

Table 1 below provides a brief summary of the Ban Chautaries and their contribution.

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Table 6: Summary table showing policy contribution of Ban Chautaries

Title Policy issue Contribution from Ban Chautari

Revisiting PA buffer zones: Exploring legal and institutional reforms in buffer zone management

After 15 years of implementation of buffer zone programme, new challenges have emerged and stakeholders are demanding substantial change in its legal and institutional framework

Stakeholders agreed that programme needs revision including its foundation law protected area act 1973. BZ council‘s lead role and government‘s facilitating role suggested.

Restructuring Protected Areas: Exploring democratic governance framework of conservation areas in Nepal

Continued expansion of protected area is increasingly contested, deliberative and inclusive process is demanded

Role of conservation areas in managing larger landscapes is appreciated. They also recognised the shortcomings with existing models and saw opportunities for more democratic and participatory management models.

Poverty reduction through forestry: Exploring strategies to realise economic benefits of timber management in Nepal

Timber has been kept in low profile in policy debate and discourse despite it has been hot spot in practice. This has undermined the potential benefit that could be fetched from the Timber.

Realizing the huge potential of timber to contribute in national economy and employment, stakeholders called for attention to bring the timber policy and associate issues in public debate and policy priority.

Forest Enterprise: Opportunities and Challenges in the context of Nepal

There are huge policy gaps and practical hurdles in promoting community-based forest enterprises

Key policy gaps and practical hurdles for community-based forest enterprises were identified and attention of government has been drawn for revising the policies and correcting in practice

Scientific Forest Management Opportunities, Challenges and Reality

Irrespective of management regime, Nepalese forest lack scientific and productive forest management

Key factors hindering to the scientific forest management have been identified and stakeholders called for immediate action for piloting productive forest management in different management regimes

Nepal‘s forests: Green economy or black money

Despite huge potential to promote green economy, Nepal‘s forests are being playground for black money

Four key issues requires consideration to move towards green economy. The conceptual clarity, services and technologies, policy and legal barriers on forest based trade and enterprise and tenure security, community rights.

Challenges of Churia conservation and role of local communities

Despite huge efforts from government and other development agencies, Churia region across the country is degrading and President Churi Conservation program initiated by GoN has been highly contested

Stakeholders unanimously agreed that Chure need immediate attention due to ecological, socio-economic and political significance. It requires technological and institutional innovation to deal the current conservation challenges. With this realization, the stakeholders agreed to sit on further debate and discussion for improvising the Present Chure Conservation Program and seeking other options.

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Gender ratio of Ban Chautari participants

Male, 379, 83%

Female, 77, 17%

Representation in Ban Chautaries

Researchers,

81, 18%

Politicians, 15,

3%

Government

Agencies, 77,

17%

CSOs, 283, 62%

In total Chautaris were participated by 456 people representing MOFSC, civil society

organizations, experts and researchers. Though efforts were made to participate women and

marginalized people in the Chautaries we have only satisfactory results (see figure 2 below). It

confirms that there is very limited access of women and marginalized communitiesin in forest

sector policy process.

Figure 2: Gender ratio of Ban Chautari participants

Figure 3: Representation in Ban Chautaris

Despite limitations, the idea and process of Ban Chaitaries was well appreciated by the

stakeholders. A reputed forest sector expert said 'the presentations on forest policy issues were

very pertinent and the government would have greatly benefited by these deliberations. But,

unfortunately, the presence of policy level officials from the Government was only for

namesake. Similarly a media person appreciated the idea of Chautari by saying 'the good part

was that there weren't such traditional format where organisers try to impose the issues. …the

series of discussions were fruitful and very open. But repetition of speakers and even the

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participants, needs rethinking'. The activists also liked the unique platform provided by the

Chautari for policy debate. One of the FECOFUN officeholder said 'Ban Chautari became a

platform to debate and discuss on contemporary policy issues which other conventional

forums has hardly provided. Bureaucrats, experts and activists all found it as a open platform to

express their views and debate on pressing policy issues'.

4. Overall achievement of partnership with GFP in Nepal

Partnership with GFP in Nepal was initiated since 2010 with the aim of catalizing restructuring

of forest sector policy process. This is the final phase of GFP (in current arrangement) it

would be incomplete to only talk about the 2011 activities that intensively focused around the

idea of Ban Cautari. The first phase (2010) GFP program in Nepal provided background work

for the conceptualization of the Ban Chautari by identifying the key policy contestation existed

in the forest sector of Nepal. The second phase was developed with the insights and lessons of

series of policy dialogues conducted from community to national levels. In this backdrop, this

section provides the overall achievement of GFP partnership in Nepal. It covers mainly

outputs and outcomes (with additional section on policy outcomes).

5.1. Outputs

Key civil society actors of the forest sector in Nepal including ForestAction, FECOFUN, NFA

and Asmita agreed to form a civil society consortium with the aim of catalizing restricting

forest sector policy process towards deliberative and democratic process. Formation of the

consortium itself became huge achievement in terms of building trust among the civil society

actors with different interest and stances in many forest policy issues. The members have

appreciation on linking quick and timely policy research (diagnostic studies) and multi-

stakeholder policy dialogues to support the national policy process.

Second, the consortium members jointly organized series of forest policy dialogues from

community to national level. The following matrix provides the overview of the dialogues

conducted during partnership with GFP in Nepal. The first phase dialogues (conducted in

2010) were useful to identify the key policy issues and contestations which need open policy

dialogue. As discussed earlier the Ban Chautaries conducted in 2011 were instrumental to

inform the stakeholders on key policy problems, sensitize the policy actors on selected policy

issues and develop common understanding over the policy options.

Table 7: Summary of dialogues conducted

Dialogues/Year 2010 Remarks 2011 Remarks

Local level dialogues 9

Sub-national level

diaoogues

12 Including district and

regional dialogues

National dialogues 1 9 Ban Chautaries

National sharing workshop 2 Inception and final

workshop

1 Annual review of Ban

Chautari

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Third, the policy makers including member of the parliament and senior officials from MOFSC

have participated in the national level policy dialogues and informed with the key policy gaps

and contradictions.

The outcomes of the dialogues conducted during two years at different levels were

communicated with the wider audience through different knowledge outputs and mass media.

The following table provides the overview of the outreach and media engagement.

Table 8: Summary of communication and outreach

Outputs/Year 2010 Remarks 2011 Remarks

Knowledge outputs

Discussion papers 2 1

Policy briefs 1

Booklets 1 4

Media engagement

TV 5 5

Radio 20 10

Newspaper articles 7 8

Communication of key message of policy dialogues helped inform the public, policy

communities and forestry experts on key forest policy issues and stakeholder positions. This

will help the policy makers to make informed policy decisions.

5.2. Outcomes

As discussed earlier, leading civil society organizations in forest sector of Nepal formed a

consortium and initiated multi-stakeholder forest policy dialogue with the aim of informing and

supporting the forest sector policy processes in Nepal. In line with a decade long effort of

ForestAction Nepal, the forest sector stakeholders have realized the importance of linking

research (policy analysis which has been termed as diagnostic analysis) with the policy

dialogues. The multi-stakeholder policy has been institutionalized under the brand of Ban

Chautari. After participation in series of multi-stakeholder dialogues conducted since 2010 and

seeing the results of such dialogues, interest and commitment of the forest sector stakeholders

and policy actors have been increased to engage in rigorous policy dialogues. This has helped to

develop faith over the serious policy dialogues to inform the policy decisions. The efforts put

by GFP partners in Nepal on the policy oriented research, multi-stakeholder dialogues and

communicating the message to wider audience has helped to narrow down the gap in many

contentious policy issues.

5.3. Policy outcomes (influence)

As explained earlier, the GFP Nepal program has special focus on multi-stakeholder policy

dialogues on pertinent forest policy issues in forest sector. The aim of the program was not to

directly contribute in the national policy process. Rather the program was intended to create an

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open platform for policy dialogue that could contribute for minimizing gap in understanding of

policy issues among the stakeholders. Because of such dialogues, the policy actors including

senior officials from the MOFSC, community leaders (FECOFUN), politicians and experts

actively engaged in the dialogues and got informed on many contested policy issues in the

sector. The diagnostic studies conducted around the key policy issues found very much helpful

to unpack the policy gaps and hurdles and contributed for effective and engaging dialogues.

Such reflective dialogues were instrumental to understand positions of key policy actors over

various policy issues. Overall, the dialogues along with the diagnostic studies and

communication activities helped to inform the policy communities about the policy issues,

problems and contestations. Though not directly intended, the policy dialogues have

contributed on positive policy decisions. For example, because of continuous advocacy by

FECOFUN, policy dialogues and publication by ForestAction, government of Nepal has been

compelled to rethink over the proposal of amendment of Forest Act 1993. Government has

withdrawn the draft bill and interested to engage in dialogue with concerned stakeholders.

Similarly, series of dialogues and protest, government agreed to form a joint committee

including FECOFUN representatives to draft regulations of Gaurisankhar Conservation Area.

5. Lessons for future policy dialogue

The GFP process in Nepal, particularly the organization and conduction of multi-stakeholder

policy dialogues combined with policy research under the brand of Ban Chautari in 2011 has

provided useful lessons and insights for future policy dialogues in Nepal. This section

summarises the key lessons.

Discussion informed by the diagnostic analysis can substantially add quality in

policy dialogue

Ban Chautaris adopted the distinctively unique approach to combine scientific knowledge with

citizenry politics around contemporary public policy issues. In most of the policy dialogues, a

very thin overview of policy problem were presented and the debate was largely dominated by

the stakeholders narrow interests that oftentimes clashes with other stakeholders‘ interests.

However, in this case, the discussion was supported by a diagnostic analysis covering the width

and depth of the issues linked with actor positions and avenues for transforming the policy and

practice. Presentation of the study findings of diagnostic analysis at the onset of the debate

poses challenges to the stakeholders and the participants to question their understanding and

rethink their respective views and positions.

Policy dialogue must be embedded with several other elements of analysis and

synthesis before and after the actual dialogue

Policy dialogue must be conceived as an integrated and ongoing process that consists of several

elements embedded in a single process. This differentiates Ban Chautari from other normal

policy dialogue forums. Several activities precede the event and many other succeed. However

all these activities contribute to the single goal of helping stakeholders understand key forest

policy issues that ultimately results in democratising policy and practice.

17

Diagnostic analysis informed by political agenda for transformation has potential to

engage stakeholder that increases their ownership

The research carried out by pure intellectual curiosity may have its own merit. But to effectively

engage stakeholders, the research question must be informed by the contemporary political

debate. In case of Ban Chautari, only the political and policy relevant issues are selected for

diagnostic analysis. Consequently, it gathered sufficient attention and interests of the

stakeholders. The stakeholders have owned the outcomes of dialogue, they have shown

preparedness to buy in recommendations and have shown preparedness for further actions.

This was primarily due the high relevancy of these policy issues that were identified for

dialogue.

Preparation work especially equipping panelist and participants on the issue under

discussion is critically important for effective dialogue

Huge variation was observed in the quality of the discussion based on the level of pre-event

preparation. Apart from preparing a well developed key note presentation, intensive

communication between the moderator and the panelist on diverse aspects of the issue in

question helps them bring to the same page. In some cases well thought and stakeholder

customized questions were shared in advance with the panelist that helped them organise their

thoughts and articulate the arguments before the actual event. Therefore, it is important to

communicate, share and prepare the panelist so that they can effectively deliver their oral

presentation.

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Annexes:

Annex 1: Summary report of Ban Chautari annual review workshop

30th December, 2011

Indreni complex, Kathmandu

This brief note summarises the deliberations during the annual review of Ban Chautari

organized by the GFP consortium members in Kathmandu on 30 December, 2011. About 50

participants including the Secretary of the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation (MoFSC),

over a dozen of Joint Secretaries, other senior forest officials, representatives of civil society,

representatives of private sector and forest professionals and researchers participated in the

event. The programme was conducted in an informal model, initiated by Bharati Pathak

(FECOFUN/Asmita), moderated by Devesh Tripathi (NFA), welcomed by Dil Khatri

(ForestAction) and concluded by Apsara Chapagain (FECOFUN). Naya Sharma Paudel

(ForestAction) made a presentation on reflective revisit of all Ban Chautaris and the whole

multi-stakeholder policy process. The participants commented on the presentation and made

suggestions on the future strategies for Ban Chautaris.

ForestAction, FECOFUN, NFA and Asmita Nepal in collaboration with the Growing Forest

Partnership (GFP) took an initiative on forest policy process with four objectives: diagnostic

analysis, amplify local voices, facilitate multi-stakeholder policy dialogues, and inform wider

public on the process. In 2011, they conducted nine Ban Chautaris on the issues covering

forest act amendment, sustainable forest management, timber management, forest based

enterprise, protected areas and green economy. The Ban Chautari is a comprehensive concept

that includes: identification of contentious policy issue, carry out diagnostic analysis, engaging

with presenter, panelist and participants, organizing a policy debate, dissemination through

mass media, and synthesis and publication. The process has made some good achievements.

First, the initiative has institutionalized ‗Ban Chautari‘ —a unique process of policy dialogue

that combines diagnostic analysis with structured policy dialogue. Second, it has provided a

welcoming environment for dialogue where people can share their views without any fear

which has also helped develop trust among the stakeholders. Third, it has been able to narrow

down the gaps in stakeholders‘ understanding of some major contentious policy agenda such as

sustainable forest and timber management and protected area governance.

The Ban Chautari, as an emerging multi-stakeholder policy forum has a number of issues which

require a careful consideration. The relevance and utility of such policy forums in supporting

the national forest policy process is a major issue. Similarly, while the GFP has supported the

process till now, there are questions on long term sustainability of such forum in the absence of

external support. While the Ban Chautari has emerged as a brand; there are questions of its

standardization, so that every workshop or meeting on forest policy might want to use this

brand. Similar questions are there on its structure and the inclusiveness – how open or

exclusive should it be? There are always challenges in ensuring the quality of the analysis,

discussion and deliberation. These issues were floated in front of the participants.

The participants have diverse responses. They largely appreciated the initiative and recognised

that such process would help in informed policy making in forest sector. Keshav Bhattari, the

Secretary of MoFSC appreciated the Ban Chautari and opined that the government could able

19

to provide funding and other support for furthering this process. He assured that the senior

officials will participate the future events; provided that they are informed timely. Uday Sharma,

Ex-Secretary suggested that the government should own and support the process as it would

help informed decision. He urged senior officials to manage time to participate in Chautaris.

Ram Prasad Lamsal opined that in contrary to everyday CSO led meetings, organized to invite

and humiliate policy makers, Ban Chautari has established a culture of mutual respect and

genuine exchange of ideas. Bajra Kishor Yadav, the Director General of Department of Forest

appreciates the process and opined that the DoF would benefit from such dialogue process.

Kapil Adhikiari, chairperson of timber traders stated that the private sector has been involved

in forest policy issue for the first time through Ban Chautaris. He highlighted the role of private

sector and sought a greater cooperation among government, civil society and private sector to

realize the economic potentials of forest resources in the country.

Some participants also warned against potential pitfalls of externally funded initiatives. Krishna

Chandra Paudel, Division Chief of Biodiversity at the MoFSC, Bihari K Shrestha and TN

Bhattarai warned that Ban Chautari should take nationally relevant policy agenda, maintain

transparency of policy issues and management aspects, share outcomes to all relevant actors,

and constructively support government in its policy process. Uday Sharma suggested working

closely with government authority to increase the policy intake. Apart from thismany

participants commented on the substantive aspects – what should be the priority policy agenda

for discussion? Sahas Man Shrestha Director General of DFRS, Juddha Gurung, member

secretary of NTNC and Krishna C Paudel suggested taking sustainable forest management;

ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation in future debates. There were concerns that

Ban Chautari sometimes appeared to be tilted towards CSO agenda and biased towards rights

issues which requires balancing by responsibility. Kumud Shrestha claimed that forest officials

have historically invested in decentralizing forest management and should be credited for that.

Bhola Khatiwada suggested the consortium members to reflect back and address the

sustainability issue of the Ban Chautari process.

The formal closing of the discussion was followed by a reception and dinner. Much more open

sharing and exchange of views took in many small groups. In many cases, these were more

insightful than in formal meeting. On the whole, participants strongly recognized the role of

Ban Chautari in informing stakeholders and policy makers about some complex policy issues.

They expressed their commitment to participate and contribute in the process. Opening up the

steering arrangement, adoption of more sustainable level of expenditure, working closely with

policy makers particularly involving them during the dialogue events and wide sharing of

outcomes were some of the recommendations from the review.

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Annex 2: Summary report of Ban Chautaries

1. Restructuring Protected Areas: Exploring Democratic

Governance Framework of Conservation Area in Nepal

(July 3rd, 2011)

Nepal is well known for its long history of participatory conservation and has framed

innovative policies, legal and institutional modalities of PAs. However, the decisions of the

government in recent years have largely been contested by local communities, Civil Society

Organizations (CSOs) and stakeholders. The plea for greater role of local communities in

natural resource management and nature conservation has not been adequately addressed.

Despite the well proven experiences of community based approaches to sustainable

management of forest and biodiversity, the government has sought to expand PAs.

Consequently, there has been growing disagreement between the government and local

communities and diverse stakeholders. The contestation over PA management has further

amplified after declaration of new conservation areas without adequate consultation with

community peoples and concerned stakeholders. Moreover, the government has decided to

hand over the management authority to National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)

which also created doubts on the government‘s commitment on promoting and encouraging

grassroots institutions in resource management.

The demand of meticulous discussion on the abovementioned issues was materialized through

Ban Chautari held on 3rd July, 2011 at SAP Falcha, Kathmandu where 57 participants

representing government agencies, Civil Society Organizations, forestry experts and researchers

participated. The program kicked off with a background presentation followed by panel

discussion. There were five panelists having expertise on PA management and policy,

community rights and civil society issues.

The discussion strongly posed the question on the continued expansion of PAs and its

management mechanism in Nepal‘s context. In his presentation, Mr. Dil Raj Khanal from

FECOFUNstressed on the need for consultation with the local communities and concerned

stakeholders before declaration of conservation areas and ensure their involvement and

ownership in PA management. Following were the key issues raised during the discussion:

1. The management mechanism of PAs in Nepal has been guided by the policies that were

developed ignoring the community ownership. The everyday management appeared too

centralized though the policy discourse is often dominated by decentralization. Further,

the transparency and fairness during the implementation of the policies is also

contested since it has provided more power to the government officials as the policies

are usually interpreted by the PA officials. In this context most of the participants

demanded amendment of National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 in order

to ensure the community involvement on the management of PAs and to promote the

cooperation among the actors for better implementation, monitoring and evaluation of

conservation activities.

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2. The existing laws, regulations and institutions haven‘t adequately respected, and

recognized the local knowledge and resource conservation initiatives. Consequently,

current state led conservation interventions have multiple negative impacts on the

traditional livelihoods of indigenous people and local communities. Hence, the policy

amendment is further needed in order to ensure, recognize and respect the customary

rights of local communities and indigenous peoples.

3. The government has declared new protected areas without adequate consultation with

the local and indigenous people and let alone their rights to free-prior informed consent

(FPIC). As the government has handed over the management authority to NTNC, local

people may not be able to claim their legitimate rights due to thin accountability system

attached to NTNC as against government authority.

4. The management modality in Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) and

Kanchanjungha Conservation Area (KCA) has somehow recognized the community

involvement on conservation and management activities. However, the governing

modality along with the benefit sharing in ACA has at times been questioned for its

poor transparency. As NTNC is trying to adopt a similar approach in GCA, local

communities and stakeholders have some reservation and therefore are demanding for

a more democratic management modality. Currently, a new modality of PA

governance has been under negotiation which is expected to draw the lessons from

ACA and KCA.

The discussion brought differing views between the government authority and stakeholders

about the prevailing management and governing mechanism of the PAs. Most participant

discussion appreciated the role of local communities including the indigenous people on the

conservation activities. They further realized the need of genuine and honest political efforts

and initiatives in order to address the fundamental issues of local communities rather than

development of technical and instrumental incentive structures. In addition, they agreed on the

need of reframing legal and regulatory framework in order to ensure community ownership on

the conservation.

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2. Poverty Reduction through Forestry: Exploring Strategies to

Realize Economic Benefits of Timber Management in Nepal

(July 7th, 2011, SAP Falcha)

Timber management has received only a secondary importance in Nepal‘s national forest policy

discourse in recent decades, despite its significant share in forest based economy and its

centrality in everyday management decisions. There is a visible discrepancy between discourses

and everyday practices in forest management. Most of the policy debates take place around

non-timber forest products and recently on environmental services including carbon but very

little emphasis has been given on timber. Contrary to the national policy discourses, several

policy decisions including government orders and circulars have been geared towards regulating

timber extraction in last two decades. Such type of dominations of timber in practice has been

attributed to the benefits that government and associated actors derive out of timber.

Consequently, little attention has been given on productive management of the forests and

maximizing benefits from the timber to the country. This situation sparked the forest sector

stakeholders to engage in a constructive dialogue on prospects and challenges of productive

forest management focusing on timber commercialization in Nepal. Such dialogues could be

informed through diagnostic analysis of policy and practical level hurdles of productive forest

and timber trade in Nepal.

The realization of scrupulous discussion on the above mentioned issues was materialized

through Ban Chautari held on 7th July, 2011 at SAP Falcha, Kathmandu where 48 participants

representing a wide range of expertise from government agencies, civil society organizations,

professional associations, entrepreneurs, researchers, journalists, activists and donors. The

program kicked off with background presentation by Mr. Harisharan Luitel (from

RECOFTC/ForestAction) followed by moderated panel discussion. There were four panelists

including forest management and policy experts, timber entrepreneurs and FECOFUN.

Mr. Harisharan Luintel through his presentation highlighted the importance of timber in the

national economy. Timber used to contribute one third of the total revenue till the 1960s. It

was increased by more than 165 fold during the third five year plan (1965-1970) with 9 crore

and 33 lakhs (US $ 1.31 million). Even recently (FY 2008/09) 90% of the total revenue from

the forestry sector comes from timber. Similarly, a significant number of employments have

been created because of timber based enterprise development in Nepal. Based on this analysis,

he argued that timber has huge potentiality to contribute in national economy. On the other

hand, the various forms of policies such as the guidelines, circulations and directives have been

made mainly on the periphery of timber. In addition, the political authorities, media and

forestry bureaucrats have been highlighting the issues of timber and hence recognizing it as a

lucrative sector even within the forestry sector. However, less emphasis has been given on the

timber management in the discourse of forest management for its sustainable use. Hence, he

argued that timber should be the major agenda of national forest governance. Following were

the major issues discussed in the event:

23

Timber has huge significance in national economy through its contribution on revenue,

employment and poverty reduction. However, it has been kept in margin of national

policy discourses compared to non-timber forest products and ecosystem services.

Timber has become elite commodity and has been kept in the grip of forest officials,

contractors and local elites which has distorted the market.

Misuse of authority and corruption is rampant in timber business. Interestingly,

government formed three different high-level commissions for investigation of abuse

of authority and corruption on timber in 2010. Based on that, the government imposed

ban on harvesting and trade of timber for a year which was uplifted in June 2011.

Consequently price of timber in market increased by 3.5 folds in a single year.

The forestry sector as a whole has been wrangling on timber; however very low

investment has been made in the timber sector (from both government and donors).

This has undermined the potentiality of timber to contribute in national economy and

poverty reduction. Timber market in Nepal is distorted and we are importing timber

which has resulted in capital flight.

The media has also seemed to be irresponsible in terms of reporting on deforestation

and corruption issues. The media has failed to convince the general public that the

timber is renewable resource and can be productively managed for earning revenue.

Rather, it has created the discourses that cutting trees is illegal and is associated with

corruption. This has forced the government to make decisions like ban on timber

harvesting for about a year.

Timber management in Nepal has been kept on very low priority. On the other hand,

the condition of forest management in the government managed forest is even worse

since the government has always kept them busy on administrative works and they were

used as an instructor for tree felling, timber trading and raising revenue.

The discussion has acknowledged the potentiality of timber to contribute on the

national economy and timber trade is associated with irregularities and corruption.

There is a nexus of forest officials, local elites and contractors involved in such

irregularities.

Based on the discussion, the participants called for further dialogue and work together for

harnessing economic potentiality of timber through productive forest management that

could contribute on reducing poverty of the country.

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3. Scientific Forest Management: Opportunities and Challenges

(19thJuly, 2011)

About 39.6 percent of the total area of Nepal is covered with forest out of which about 51.1

percent is considered as reachable, having huge potentiality of productive management and

economic return. However, irrespective of management regime, Nepal's forest lacks scientific

management. Government has been putting very negligible investment on sustainable forest

management in Nepal. As a consequence, huge benefits including contribution on national

economy, employment generation and supporting to reduce poverty has been forgone. In this

context, the professionals, researchers and other stakeholders working in the forestry sector

have been calling for immediate action on scientific and productive forest management. For

this, stakeholders sought strong need of multi-stakeholder policy dialogue, informed with

current state of the arts of policy and practical gaps and hurdles.

The demand for policy dialogue on sustainable forest management for harnessing economic

potentialities has been materialized through Ban Chautari held on 19th July, 2011 at

Babarmahal, Kathmandu where 54 participants representing a wide range of forestry

stakeholders including government agency, CSOs, donors, researchers and forest

entrepreneurs. The program started with background presentation followed by panel

discussions. There were four panelists having expertise and involved in sustainable and

scientific forest management and policy process and research.

The discussion led to an agreement that the current forest management practice in Nepal is not

scientific. The principal reason behind this has been the low investments from government on

productive management and implementation of silviculture practices. Vijaya Subedi in his

presentation further argued that all forest management regimes including community forest

lack proper practice of silvicultural system and practices. He argued that the annual yield of

Nepal‘s forest is 3.1975 million cubic meter even in the slight growth scenario. It is possible to

harvest the yield of 2.6 million cubic meter timber per year even after excluding the forests of

fragile Siwalik region in the same scenario which will generate revenue of about 29 billion, 242

million 500 thousands and five hundred Nepalese rupees (US $ 38, 990,000) and may provide

employment to 41,000-82,000 people per year during the harvesting and logging period. Hence,

there is always a high economic potentiality through forest sector in the country if scientific

forest management practice is to be adopted in Nepal‘s. Unfortunately, it has not been

practiced and as consequence forest deterioration, market distortion and shortage on the supply

of timber, resource damage and transfer of land to other uses and deviation of issues from

forestry into social issues prevail and finally we have been losing about NRs. 28 billion of

revenue per year. The following were the key issues discussed in the Chautari.

The forest sector's contribution on national economy will be incomplete if we do not

include the environmental services.

25

We lack credible data on forest sector contribution to the nations GDP. It is considered

very low because we could not commercially exploit the valuable forest. This is basically

due to failure of the policy which has never emphasized on sustainable forest

management for commercial benefit. We need policy reform that prioritizes on

sustainable forest management and commercial exploitation.

There is an immense opportunity for scientific forest management but requires huge

investment. Currently, government of Nepal has been investing only Rs. 25 per

hectare/year which is not adequate to achieve the anticipated benefits.

Problem is not limited to lack of policy for scientific forest management. Much could

be done even within the existing policies. Bureaucrats generally blame for the weak

political will for not implementing the productive forest management. Whereas the

stakeholders blame the bureaucrats for not taking risk of productive forest

management. After all the situation of lawlessness is widespread and the governance is

weak in forest sector which has been hindering the pace of scientific forest

management practices in Nepal.

The private sector is being ready to invest in the forest sector if policy is designed to

make it productive. People‘s right in forest should be secured. In fact, there is no

alternate to scientific forest management if current demand of timber (around 20

million cubic feet) is to be fulfilled. So, all the forest technicians, politicians, bureaucrats

and other stakeholders have to be ready to embrace scientific forest management in

order to develop more appropriate and conducive forest policy in Nepal.

Over all, the participants of the discussion agreed that because of not adopting scientific

and productive forest management, Nepal has forgone huge benefits that could be gained

from forest. This is principally due to protection oriented mind-set of the conservative

forest officials and lack of political will. The dialogue called on immediate action for

implementing scientific forest management in all forest regimes.

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4. Forest Enterprise: Opportunities and Challenges in the Context of

Nepal

(1st August, 2011)

The paradigm of Nepalese forest management has been gradually shifting from conservation to

its commercialization. Many community forest user groups (CFUGs) are organizing and

operating forest based enterprises using forest resources generated in the CF. Similarly,

stakeholders including the government of Nepal is supporting in this process by developing

capacities and providing resources. However the policy environment in forest sector is not

supportive for the community managed small scale forest enterprises. There are many policy

and practical hurdles in every value chain of small scale forest enterprise from raw material

collection till selling of the finished products. This has affected the potential benefit that forest

sector could provide in national economy and employment generation.

In this context, a policy debate among key actors in forest sector could be beneficial to inform

the stakeholders about policy and practical hurdles that community based small enterprises

have been facing. This gap has been filled up by Ban Chautari held on 1st August, 2011 at SAP

Falcha, Kathmandu, where 62 participants representing a wide range of expertise including

government agency, CSOs, donors, researchers and forest entrepreneurs. It started with

background presentation followed by panel discussions. There were five panelists representing

entrepreneurs, development organization, FECOFUN and policy expertise. In his presentation,

Mr. Dil Raj Khanal from FECOFUN highlighted on key policy and practical hurdles for the

community based forest enterprises in Nepal. He argued that Nepal's enterprise related policies

are not favorable for small scale enterprises. He further claimed that all those hurdles have

mainly been related to the legal recognition of forest based micro-enterprises, raw material

collection and transportation, land tenure, processing and production, obligation on the

environmental impact criteria, economic and financial access, double taxation system, and the

transportation of the products. Furthermore, it discourages the people to invest on forest

based enterprise development and hence losing the potentiality of employment generation

along with the revenue raising to the nation through value addition of the raw materials.

Similarly, forest based micro-enterprises couldn‘t compete in the market with other similar

products since we are still practicing a centralized, autocratic and protection oriented legal

norms. So, Mr. Khanal, stressed on need for more democratic, deliberative, and consultative

policies related to the forest based enterprise development in Nepal ensuring the

decentralization of authority, right, responsibility and accountability in the local communities.

Following were the major issues discussed at Ban Chautari:

Because of policy constraints, private sector is not encouraged to invest in forest based

enterprises. Even if they invest, it is very hard to sustain the business due to number of

factors like bureaucratic hurdles, corruption, un-sustainable harvesting of the raw

materials and so on.

Excessive control of government over supply of raw materials and policy and

administrative hurdles has distorted the market of forest products. For example, the

27

ban on harvesting and marketing of forest products increased the timber price by 3 fold

in one year.

CFUGs have forest resources which could be used as raw materials but lack technical

capacity and capital investment for enterprise establishment. The private sector could

join hands with CFUGs in this case. There is a need for partnership between the

community and private sector.

The existing policies and legal framework are not suitable for community managed

small scale forest enterprises. Too many legal procedures that communities cannot

meet them to establish the enterprise is a serious issue. The policy requirements

discourage the participation of poor and landless people in enterprise development. For

example, registering enterprise need land entitlement certificate.

Most of the forest based enterprises use traditional knowledge and technologies which

cannot compete with the market. There is need of technology development and

transfer to improve the competitiveness of local products.

Over all, the discussion pointed out the policy and practical hurdles for community based

forest enterprise development and suggested ways forward. Moreover, the participants agreed

to develop more deliberative and democratic policy process to support forest based enterprises.

28

5. Revisiting Protected Area Buffer Zones: Exploring Legal and

Institutional Reforms in Buffer Zone Management

(20th-21st October, 201)

Buffer zone management program (BZMP) is the flagship intervention in Nepal‘s long history

of participatory conservation. The BZMP adopts a unique approach to combine conservation

with local livelihoods under a broadly conceived ‗sustainable development‘ framework. Policy

makers, conservation agencies and professionals have appreciated the BZMP as a major

paradigm shift away from conventional conservation approaches. The BZMP is being

implemented in about a dozen of protected areas (PAs) covering 83 VDCs in 27 districts.

Almost one million people are involved through diverse types of local institutions – from forest

management to development activities. These buffer zone (BZ) institutions are the foundation

of BZMP that shape the park-people relations and ensure government policies and programs

are implemented. However, no comprehensive attempts have been made to reflect, learn and

improve the program even after one and half decades of implementation. During this period

many of the original thoughts and strategies have been revised, improved and new strategies

have been adopted in practice. Many of the current policy and institutional arrangements are

being questioned in the new political and socio-economic contexts. While many areas of park-

people conflicts have been addressed, new forms of conflicts and contestations have emerged

requiring a substantial change founded in fresh knowledge base.

A collective wish of all concerned stakeholders was materialized through Ban Chautari held on

20th to 21st October, 2011 at SAP Falcha, Kathmandu where 49 participants representing a

wide range of forestry stakeholders including government agency, CSOs, local communities,

researchers and rights activists. However, the discussion was organized for two working days

hoping to unfold more issues of buffer zone management from community level to policy

level. It started with a background presentation followed by a panel discussion. There were two

panel discussions. The panelists having expertise and experiences on BZ management, policy

process and community issues were selected in order to represent the perspective of buffer

zone management.

The participants recognized the importance of biodiversity conservation through PA

management in Nepal. However, the discussions concluded that there are numbers of issues in

BZ including policy, community involvement and ownership, benefit sharing, livelihood, and

identity of the indigenous people. The discussion strongly recommended reformulating the PA

Act 1973 in order to ensure the community rights within conservation activities in BZ.

Following were the major issues raised in the discussion:

The areas with high impacts were identified as BZs where locally formed institutions

manage natural resources and receive a share of park revenue for financing community

development projects. BZ community forests, tree plantation, energy saving

technologies, livelihood support programs, saving and credit programs, compensation

programs, and initiatives for compensation against wildlife depredation have been

implemented in BZ areas.

29

Local communities and line agencies are not adequately aware of the purpose of BZ

and their roles in BZMP. As a result, the investment in BZMP is narrowly focused on

infrastructure development and not on the conflict reduction and compensation.

The leaders of BZ management committees lack adequate capacity in decision making

and program implementation. They need trainings on leadership skills and management

effectiveness. In some cases, the BZ institutions are too politicized as they are usually

elected with the support of particular political party based on their affiliation.

The DNPWC has experienced limited human and financial resources. There is no

separate section/division within the DNPWC to look after the BZ. Hence, the BZMP

has not received adequate attention of the authorities that it deserves.

The livelihood of the local communities in BZ is highly affected since their access on

the natural resources is restricted. Similarly, the compensation of crop damage and even

the human casualty by wild life is very nominal and time consuming. On the other

hand, the means of livelihood of the indigenous people, for instance- fishing culture of

Bote and Majhi community- is in stake in BZ.

The local communities have constantly raised the issue of their right on resource

conservation, management and utilization along with their autonomy on decision

making in BZ area. The decentralization of power to the community could be ensured

only by reformulation of NPWC Act 1973.

Mainly the issue of centralized and bureaucratic governance system in the BZ by the

government authority was highlighted during the discussion. The participants agreed that the

BZ institutions don‘t have the autonomy in order to develop and exercise their own rules for

sustainable resource management. The discussion strongly demanded and agreed to reform the

existing policy specially the NPWC Act 1993 in order to ensure a decentralized management

modality.

30

6. Nepal’s Green Forest: Green Economy or Black Money?

(24th

November, 2011)

Forests of Nepal render important ecosystem services to the rural communities provide

employment opportunities as well as contribute to national economy. The forest-based

enterprises in particular provide opportunity for income and employment for the poor, forest-

dependent people– an economic incentive for sustainable management of forest.

Unfortunately, deforestation and forest degradation is on the rise. Nepal‘s forest sector has

been regarded as a ―crime zone‖ as actors from local community level to national level are

involved in diverse crimes ranging from illegal logging and smuggling of high value NTFPs to

poaching. Historically ‗Green Forest Nepal‘s Wealth‘ (Hariyo Ban Nepal ko Dhan) was the

motto. Unfortunately, due to poor governance and rampant corruption the green forests are

the locus of black economy (Kalo Dhan).

In this context, intensive discussion was demanded in order to identify the key factors of

irregularities in forestry sector and to develop a common understanding among the

stakeholders about the best options for restructuring it. Hence, this event was organized aiming

to acknowledge the current contribution of forest on national economy, identify the key

challenges and opportunities for green economy and forest governance, and to enhance

stakeholder understanding of the issues, challenges and opportunities to address the issues of

irregularities including corruption in forestry sector of Nepal.

The program kicked off with a background presentation followed by panel discussion.

Through his presentation, Mr. Ghanashyam Pandey argued that forests have huge potentiality

of supporting the local livelihood improvement since more than 70% rural communities

depend on it directly and indirectly. Forest can support on three major aspects- poverty

reduction, rural development and environment management in Nepal. He further argued that

the concept of ―green economy‖ would provide the space for all the stakeholders to come

together in order to economize the natural resource management including forest for which its

commercial use is necessary. Following were the major issues raised by the participants in the

discussion:

Different regimes of forest management especially in Terai have been experimented

with the support of government, donors and I/NGOs. However, no promising

recommendation has been made.

Forest based enterprise, as a part of green economy, has potentiality in generating rural

employment. Unfortunately, because of the unsustainable management practices, raw

material availability is gradually decreasing which is mainly due to lack of community

awareness and ineffective monitoring mechanism of the government.

Because of the bureaucratic hegemony, both financial corruption and irregularities on

the policy formulation is increasing. With applying the principle of ―bad news is good

news‖, Media have been covering the news of forestry sector with priority. It indicates

that there are many irregularities in the forestry sector. The news in the media about the

31

financial demand during the deputation of DFOs especially in the Terai districts further

indicates the heavy corruption.

Forestry sector is also recognized as the labor intensive sector since it demands heavy

labor work. It is basically because of lack of appropriate technology and hence the

production cost is hiking.

The more centralized forest governance directly affects the community ownership on

the forest conservation and management. So, transparent institutional mechanism has

to be developed not only in the government sector but also within I/NGOs, donors

and other CSOs.

The concept of green economy doesn‘t limit the forest resource but also other natural

resources. So, the sustainable management of all natural resources is the most

important to get optimum benefit from the concept of green economy.

Though the discussion mainly focused on the prevailing irregularities in the forestry sector, all

participant further pointed out the need of sustainable natural resource management in order to

materialize the concept of green economy in Nepal acknowledging the huge potentiality of it

on the national economic development.

32

7. Terai Forest Management: Issues, Opportunities and Options

(4th December, 2011)

Nepal's Terai consists of highly productive and valuable tropical forests. However, such

valuable forest has been gradually disappearing since past few decades since the government

policies and plans failed to protect and manage it. Most of the forest areas are kept under

government‘s control and few have been handed over to the local communities. Moreover,

there is a situation of institutional vacuum in the government controlled areas and thus

condition of forest is deteriorating. Besides, the policy failure has caused massive

encroachment, illegal logging and corruption in this sector. Unlike in the Hills, community

forests is blamed to be a failure in Terai and contested for not including the distant users and

inability to demonstrate equitable resource distribution. With this logic, government is showing

reluctance to hand over more CF in Terai and has introduced collaborative forest management

(CBF) with financial support from few donors. Now the stakeholders including politicians are

divided principally in between two forest regimes in Terai.

Because of policy confusions and contestations, scientific forest management has been put in

shadow, despite huge potentiality of Terai forest for its contribution in the national economy

and employment. Not only the government controlled forests but also the community

managed ones lack scientific management practices, which has affected both meeting the

market demand of timber and immense economic opportunities. Such alarming situation drew

attention of forest sector stakeholders in Nepal and they have felt the need for a rigorous

policy dialogue to develop a common understanding on the issues of Terai forest management

and figure out policy and practical options.

This process has been materialized by organizing the Ban Chautari in 4 December 2011 at Sap

Falcha, Kathmandu. Around 50 participants show their participation for the event,

representing government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector and politicians.

The program started with a background presentation followed by a panel discussion. There

were five panelists having expertise in Terai forest management representing political, civil

society, government and donor perspectives. This note summarizes the main message of this

Ban Chautari.

The discussion in Ban Chautari focused on three key aspects―opportunities, issues and options

of Terai forest management. The participants have unanimously agreed that Terai forest has

huge potentiality in terms of meeting timber demand, contributing to the GDP and offering

employment opportunities. In his background presentation, Mr. Vijaya Subedi argued that it is

possible to extract about 60-120 million ton of Timber per year from the Terai forests.

However, due to lack of scientific management, we have been missing such opportunity.

Consequently, we have been facing shortage of timber in market which caused unexpectedly

high market price of timber. The discussion has identified the following key issues of Terai

forest management.

Policy confusions and central government's excessive control have created uncertainties

in timber supply. This has distorted the timber market and increased market price of

timber.

33

Government policy has failed to manage the Terai forest. Government's contradictory

policies on resettlement and land distribution in forest have caused massive

encroachment, illegal logging and rampant corruption in Terai. The community

forestry program which has become very successful in the Hills has become contested

in Terai. It has been blamed that CF in Terai has excluded the distant users (those who

are far from the forest areas) and could not ensure equitable distribution of resources.

In recent years, political influence has also been affecting forest governance in Terai.

Instead of providing a long-term visions for forest management, politicians have been

involved in illegal logging and corruption. Moreover, there is increasing trend of

providing political protection to criminal activities.

The contradictory policies and political protection has also contributed to forest

encroachment and illegal settlements in Terai. Political parties have taken the landless

people and forest encroachers as the 'vote bank'.

Overall forest governance in Terai has become worse in recent years. High level

commissions formed to investigate illegal logging and corruption in Terai have found

that nexus of forest officials, politicians and local elites is responsible for such

activities.

Another important issue of Terai forest management is unclear forest tenure.

Government's contradictory policies and bureaucratic interest has fueled the conflict

between CF and collaborative forest.

Amidst such issues, the dialogue has also pointed out some signal of hopes that we can tackle

the issues and devise institutional options for Terai forest management that can ensure both

scientific management and equitable distribution of resources. Though, there were

contradictory views about the possible options, a common understanding of the dialogue was

that there is no alternative to peoples' participation for the management of Terai forest.

However, experts and stakeholders have different opinions for the balance of power between

local communities and government. Some argued for fully decentralized forest governance with

full autonomy of local communities to manage and use forest resources as in CF while others

advocated for government controlled management with people‘s involvement like in CFM.

34

8. Chure Conservation in Nepal: Role of Local Communities and

Challenges

(11th December, 2011)

Chure is regarded as the youngest hills in Nepal and hence more fragile in terms of its ongoing

geological formation. It incorporates 26 districts and accounts to about 13 percent of total area

of the country. Around 17 million people inhabit the Chure area among which 80 percent are

from marginalized communities who migrated from the mid-hills and Terai few years ago.

About 70 percent area of the Chure is covered by forest which is the main source of timber,

NTFPs and repository of biodiversity. In addition, it is the main source of water for the

downstream in Terai. Though Chure is significant in terms of resources, over exploitation of

timber, fire wood, NTFPs, heavy grazing, forest fire and more importantly heavy extraction of

gravels, boulders and sand has severely affected the natural regeneration capacity of its

ecosystem.At the mean time, Nepal government has been implementing the Rastrapati

(Presidential) Chure Conservation Program (RCCP) since 2010 as an initiative to stop the

activities that have direct impact on the ecosystem and conserve the Chure region. However,

this step has been a matter of contestation since it is argued by several activists and community

organizations that this program will curtail the rights of the communities who have been

conserving the forest for a long period and simply violates the provisions on community rights

stated in the Forest Act 1993

The requirement of painstaking discussion on the aforesaid issues was materialized through

Ban Chautari held on 11th December, 2011 at Sidhhartha Food Land, Kathmandu where about

50 participants representing government agencies, Civil Society Organizations, forestry experts

and researchers had participated. This event was organized aiming to develop common

understanding among the stakeholders about the best options for Chure conservation ensuring

the local community involvement along with acknowledging its geopolitical, biological and

socio-economical importance. This synthesis note summarizes the foremost message of this

Ban Chautari.

In his presentation, Mr. Dil Raj Khanal highlighted the socio-economic importance of Chure

and argued that most of the indigenous people residing in Chure have their own tradition,

norms and value. He further argued that the local communities have been conserving the

Chure forest through community forestry program. However, their role is undermined by the

RCCP which was endorsed by the cabinet decision made in 27th Baisakha, 2067 B.S. Following

were the major issues raised during the discussion:

Chure is fragile in terms of geology, biodiversity, culturally and socio-economically

since the dependency of local communities on the natural resource is high. As it is said

that ―ecological marginality relates with social marginality‖, marginal people are residing

35

in marginal land of Chure because of which it is also on the shadow of development

programs of the state. This has a direct impact on peoples‘ livelihood and natural

disasters have even exacerbated the problem.

After Terai, the timber mafias have been carrying out their illegal activities in Chure

forest since it consists of high value timber. This has been one of the major causes of

deforestation and forest degradation in Chure. In addition, political as well as

bureaucratic hegemony on the governance of natural resource in Chure has further

aggravated the problem.

With claiming more government intervention on Chure conservation, government has

implemented RCCP without prior consultation and consent of the community people

and the other stakeholders.

Various researches indicate that greenery in Chure is increasing which has a positive

impact on erosion control and minimization of other natural disasters. On the other

hand, the harvesting of timber from CFs in Chure is banned on the basis of circulation

made by the DoF describing zero annual allowable harvest (Zero AAH). It seems that

the government is ―blaming the victims‖ which may finally discourage the community

people to conserve the chure forest

Urgency of Chure conservation is interlinked with the identity of the people residing

there. The local people have a significant contribution in the conservation since they are

deprived of alternative habitat to the area. The geological fragility of Chure, diverse

biodiversity and resource dependency of the local communities demands different

technology and forest management practices. Though the discussion couldn‘t draw the

clarity on who should initiate the process to address these issues, nevertheless, three

major aspects-implementation of forestry science, main streaming of the politics and

the people centric policies- have been suggested as the major option for effective

conservation of Chure in Nepal.

36

Annex 3: Detail description of communication and outreach activities

Booklet (in Nepali)

SN Title of Booklet Authors Publisher Key message (in English)

1 Ban Ra Garibi: Nepal

ma kath Bebasthapan

ko aarthik

sambhawana ra

chunautiharu (Forest

and Poverty:

Economic potentiality

of timber management

and challenges in

Nepal)

Mani Ram Banjade,

Naya Sharma Paudel,

Rahul Karki, Ramesh

Sunam and Bijaya Raj

Paudel (English

edition)

Bidya Nath Jha, Dipak

BK and Rajesh Bista

(Translated and edited

in Nepali)

ForestAction Timber management has received only a secondary importance in Nepal‘s national forest

policy discourse in recent decades, despite its significant share in forest based economy and its

centrality in everyday management decisions. In addition, the government orders and circulars

have been geared towards regulating timber extraction in last two decades and the political

interest on timber is further. Moreover, the issue of timber has been the central subject of

state-community contestations and the timber income has been in the major interests of the

government, officials, CFUGs and its leaders. In contrary, the national policies and plans have

not been focusing on the timber management in order to boom its potentiality on national

economy and so as to reduce the poverty in Nepal. So, the timber management issue has to be

in national priority in order to cash its economic potentiality.

2 Gauri Shankar

Samrakchhen

Chhetrama Jana

Adhikar ka Lagi

Nagarik Abhiyan

Bhola Khatiwoda,

Dipak BK and Thakur

Bhandari

FECOFUN The government of Nepal declared Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) as a new

conservation area from the cabinet meeting held in Mount Everest Base Camp, Kalapathhar

in December 4, 2009. In fact, the roles of local communities are not clear since it was declared

without proper consultation with them and other stakeholders. The government on the other

hand decided to grant the management authority of GCA to a national level NGO called

National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). This led to series of protest events and

further empowered the local communities to support them, which resulted in the

development of new GCA Management Guideline ensuring active role of local communities

on conservation which is yet to be approved.

3 Nepal ko Hariyo Ban

Harit Artha tantra ki

Kalo Dhan? (Green

Forest of Nepal:

Ghanashyam Pandey Asmita Nepal The local livelihood of Nepal is directly dependent on the forest. However, the centralized

policy process and techno-bureaucratic hegemony have been limiting the access of local

communities on the forest resources. On the other hand, irregularities and corruption in the

forestry sector in Nepal have been increasing because of weak governance system. So,

37

Green Economy or a

Black Money?)

restructuring of the forest policies ensuring the optimum right of local communities on forest

conservation, management and utilization is necessary in order to get maximum benefit from

it.

4 Terai Forest

Management: Issues,

Opportunities and

Challenges

Jagannath Joshi,

Deveshmani Tripathi

and Kumud Shrestha

NFA Terai forest is regarded as the most reachable, productive and valuable forest in Nepal. Hence,

it has high economic potentiality to contribute on the national economy along with the

livelihood support to the local communities. However, the commercialization of Terai forest

is yet practiced with scientific forest management approach though various management

regimes have been implementing. Instead, the deforestation rate is increasing, the best and

potential tresses have been harvesting and the less valuable stands have been left because of

which the growing stock of the forest is decreasing. Hence, scientific forest management in

Terai is necessary in order to receive the maximum economic benefit from it so as to support

on the national livelihood.

Newspaper feature articles:

SN Title of

Article

Published media

and Date Author

Responsible

organization Key message in English

1 Samudaya Jage

Pachhi

Annapurna

Post/Jun 8, 2011

Krishna

Murari

Bhandari

ForestAction Nepal government has declared some new protected areas in Nepal with the decision made

by the cabinet meeting held at Kalapathhar in 2009 among which Gaurishankar Conservation

Area (GCA) is one. Further, the government has granted the management authority of it to a

national NGO called National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) which is also

managing Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). As a backlash, the local communities, forest

users and concerned stakeholders jointly protested it demanding the community involvement

and ownership on the management of GCA. As a consequence, the NTNC agreed to manage

it in collaboration with the local communities and a new GCA management guideline in

consultation with various stakeholders including local communities has already been finalized

and is forwarded to MoFSC to send to cabinet for its approval.

2 Ghar Uthaune Annapurna Krishna ForestAction The issue of timber management is yet intensively discussed though it has high economic

38

Kath Post/27th July,

2011

Murari

Bhandari

potentiality in Nepal. It is because the timber is regarded as valuable forest product which has

made the forestry sector lucrative . So, the government frequently changes the policies

focusing on the timber through various guidelines, directives and circulation which causes the

contestation between the government and the other stakeholders. In addition, rampant

corruption and weak governance has perverted the forestry sector of Nepal.

3 Gaurabmaya

Project

Hawadari

Sanchalan

Annapurna

Post/November

16, 2011

Krishna

Murari

Bhandari

FECOFUN Chure area is geographically, culturally, environmentally and socio-economically significant in

Nepal. In consideration to this Rastrapati (Presidential) Chure Conservation program has

been implemented since 2010 in order to conserve the Chure. However, it has restricted the

local communities‘ access on the natural resources which has further affectedtheir livelihood.

So, Rastrapati Chure conservation program is in fact being ineffective in implementation and

practice though it was designed with the very good will to conserve Chure.

4 Terai Sake,

Bhabar Sake,

Palo Chure ko

Annapurna

Post/December

21, 2011

Krishna

Murari

Bhandari

FECOFUN Terai forest is regarded as more productive and valuable forest in Nepal. However, it is being

deforested gradually mainly due to increasing forest corruption from local level to policy

level, techno-bureaucratic hegemony, and increasing political cover to forestry criminals.

Hence, it is gradually shifting from Terai to Bhawar and finally to Chure. Since, Chure is an

important area in terms of environment, socio-economy and geography,it is necessary to

protect Chure from degradation and deforestation.

5 Kath

Karmachariko

Kandai Kanda

Annapurna Post Pitamber

Sigdel

Asmita The rate of deforestation especially in the Terai forest is increasing. The involvement of

government officials in deforestation and timber smuggling activities have been covered by

the media as well. Evidences show that they have been involved on illegal felling and are

getting some money as return. Hence, corruption is the main reason behind the rampant

deforestation in Terai.

6 Palo Aba Harit

Arthatantrako

Annapurna

Post/October 10,

2011

Pitamber

Sigdel

Asmita Nepal is rich in natural resources and bio-diversity. However, its commercialization and

sustainable management is yet practiced since Nepal is still focusing on the protection. On

the other hand, the Nepalese livelihood is directly dependent on the natural resources and

hence its sustainable management is necessary. Natural resources including forest based

enterprise development in Nepal may generate a huge number of employment and hence can

support to the national economy and reduce poverty in addition to promoting conservation

39

through renewable resources based enterprise.

7 Sankat ma

Sagarnath Ban

Naya Patrika/

December 7, 2011

Pramod

Tandan

NFA Aiming to fulfill the demand of fuel wood, Saganath Forestry Project was initiated by

planting the Eucalyptus spp. All the natural forest was clear cut and then scientific forest

management system was practiced by reforestation. This project generated employment to

the local people as well. However, it has been gradually changing to the natural unmanaged

forest because of both human resource and financial constraints. The project management

has been seeking for potential donors and partners in order to sustain this project as well as

maintain scientific forest management.

8 Ban Bata

Barsik 39 Arba

rupaiyan

Aamdani Hune

Naya Patrika/

December 17,

2011

Pramod

Tandan

NFA Out of the total forest area of Nepal, about 51% is regarded as reachable forest. Nepal

government has been receiving about seven hundred million rupees revenue annually.

However, there is high potentiality to maximize this benefit if managed scientifically.

Further, it has potentiality to produce the timber more than 15 times that of the current

market demand and generate around 82 thousand employments. Hence, there is a need to

initiate scientific forest management practices in Nepal.

TV program:

SN Title of TV

program

Program title and

broadcasting media

house

Duration Broadcasted

date/s

Responsible

organization Summary message in English

1 Aankhi Jhyal Revisiting PA buffer

zones: Exploring legal

and institutional reforms

in buffer zone

management (Bibad bad

dai chha)

15 min. 29th November, 2011(Tuesday) at 5:00 pm in NTV and

29th November, 2011 (Tuesday) at 6:30 pm in Avenues TV

(Same program

ForestAction Local communities have been significantly contributing on the

natural resources and biodiversity conservation in protected area

buffer zone in Nepal. However, their ownership on it is yet ensured

by the policy. The access on the natural resources including timber,

fuel wood and water is restricted because of which the livelihood of

the local communities, indigenous people and poor is on stake in

addition to loss of lives and property by wild life damage. It is finally

leading to the conflict between the park and people. So, the local

40

was telecasted from both media houses)

people should get the access on the natural resources for their

livelihood and also the compensation which has to be ensured

through amendment of existing policy.

2 Serofero Right of local

communities in newly

declared Gauri

Shankar Conservation

Area (GCA)

15 Min May 27, 2011

(From NTV 2)

FECOFUN Nepal government declared the Gaushankar Conservation Area

(GCA) in December, 2009 without prior consultation with local

communities and the other stakeholders. On the other hand, its

management authority has been granted to NTNC. It finally

indicates that the role and contribution of local communities in the

conservation activities have been under estimated. So, their role on

the conservation has to be ensured along with their access on the

natural resources in GCA.

Serofero Community right in

Protected Areas in

Nepal

15 Min October 24,

2011 (From

NTV 2)- Part

one

Local communities have been significantly contributing on the

conservation activities in protected areas. Similarly, their livelihood

is also dependent on the natural resources within it. However, the

current policies related to protected areas are centralized that has

provided more decision power to the government officials. Hence,

restructuring of protected areas related policies ensuring the

community right on it is necessary.

Serofero Community right in

Protected Areas in

Nepal

15 Min October 31,

2011 (From

NTV 2)- Part

two

Serofero Rastrapati Chure

Conservation program

and the role of local

communities

15 Min December 5,

2011 (From

NTV 2)- Part

One

Chure area is geographically, culturally, environmentally and socio-

economically significant in Nepal. In consideration to this, Rastrapati

(Presidential) Chure Conservation program has been implemented

since 2010 in order to conserve the Chure. However, it has

restricted the local communities‘ access on the natural resources

which has further affected their livelihood. So, Rastrapati Chure

conservation program is in fact being ineffective in implementation

and practice though it was designed with the very good will to

conserve Chure.

Serofero Rastrapati Chure

Conservation program

and the role of local

communities

15 Min December

12, 2011

(From NTV

2)- Part two

41

3 Aankhi Jhyal Scientific forest

management: issues,

opportunities and

challenges

(Gare Ban Ko Baigyanic

Bebastapan, Hunchha

aamdani kamainchha

dhana)

24 minute

30 sec

December 27,

2011 (Tuesday)

at 6:30 pm in

Avenues TV

NFA Different management techniques have been practiced in Nepal in

various forest management regimes since last couple of decades.

However, most of the management regimes have been still

protection oriented rather than commercialization of forest

products. In addition, increasing irregularities in the forestry sector

and very few government investments on the forest management is

further supporting to loss the potential benefit from scientific forest

management. Scientific forest management system may provide

additional opportunity to get optimum benefit and hence is

necessary in Nepal.

4 Kathmandu

Web

Susasan Bikas Gardai

Ban Shrot Bata Garibi

Nibaran (Poverty

reduction utilizing forest

resources along with the

improvement of

governance)

16 Min October 30,

2011 (at 8:30

PM in

Sagarmatha TV)

Asmita Forest has significant contribution to sustain the rural economy. So,

the local communities have been conserving and managing it.

Community forestry program is regarded as more community

centric forest management system in Nepal. However, the issue of

optimum benefit to the poor forest users is under discussion since

the access to forest resources and benefit is still elite dominated.

Hence, the overall governance in the CFUGs has to be improved in

order to ensure maximum benefit to the poor forest users.

Serofero Ban Chautari Report

(Reporting of Ban

Chautaries)

10 Min November 28,

2011 (7:30 PM

in NTV-2)

Asmita The issue of democratic and deliberative forest policy process in

Nepal has been under discussion since it is still under centralized

management system. The discussion forum called Ban Chautari has

been initiated with the close coordination of ForestAction,

FECOFUN, NFA and Asmita in order to support on the

deliberative forest policy process in Nepal. Various policy issues

including timber management, protected areas, forest based

enterprise development, scientific forest management have been

discussed through ban Chautari with participation of diverse forestry

stakeholders. So, it has been supportive to develop common

understanding on the current forest policy issue and reframing it.

42

Radio program:

SN Title/theme of

Radio program

Radio station

and program

Broadcasted

date

Responsible

organization Summary message in English

1 Revisiting PA

buffer zones:

Exploring legal

and institutional

reforms in

buffer zone

management

Radio

Sagarmatha and

Khulla Manch

Saturday

October 22,

2011 at 12:00

Noon to 1:00

PM

ForestAction Local communities have been significantly contributing on the natural resources

and biodiversity conservation in protected area buffer zone. However, their

ownership is yet to be ensured by the policy. The access on the natural resources

including timber, fuel wood and water is restricted because of which the livelihood

of the local communities, indigenous people, and poor is on stake. It is finally

leading to the conflict between the park and people in addition to loss of lives and

property by wild life. So, the local people should get better access on natural

resources for their livelihood which has to be ensured through amendment of

existing policy.

2 Forest and

Poverty:

Economic

potentiality of

timber

management and

challenges in

Nepal

Radio

Sagarmatha and

Khulla Manch

Saturday, July

9th , 2011 at

12:00 Noon to

1:00 PM

ForestAction The issue of sustainable forest management for timber production is yet widely

discussed and the policies have yet been emphasized. Mostly the cases of

irregularities in the forestry sector have also been related with timber and media are

also highlighting this issue. On the other hand, the data shows that the more part of

the national revenue from the forestry sector is also contributing from timber. This

indicates that the timber has high potentiality to contribute on the national

economy and reduce poverty.

3 Rastrapati Chure

Conservation

program and the

role of local

communities

Radio

Sagarmatha and

Batabaran

Dabali

December 15,

2011 at 7:30 to

8: 30 AM

FECOFUN Chure area is geographically, culturally, environmentally and socio-economically

important area in Nepal. In consideration to this, Rastrapati Chure Conservation

program has been implemented since 2010 in order to conserve the Chure.

However, it has restricted the local communities‘ access on the natural resources

which has further affected their livelihood. So, Rastrapati Chure conservation

program has been ineffective in implementation and practice though it was

designed with the very good will to conserve Chure. 4 Rastrapati Chure

Conservation

program and the

Radio

Sagarmatha and

Batabaran

December 25,

2011 at 12:15

PM to 1: 15

FECOFUN

43

role of local

communities

(Open

discussion

among

representatives

of local

communities,

FECOFUN

representatives

and the

government

representatives)

Dabali PM

5 Terai ma Ban

Ko Awastha

Chintajanak

Radio Nepal December 4,

2011 at 7:30

PM to 8:30 PM

NFA Terai forest is regarded as productive and valuable forest in Nepal. Nevertheless,

government investment on the scientific forest management is very less. Similarly,

irregularities in the forestry sector including timber smuggling and political

interferences have further supported heavy deforestation. Hence, the issue has to

be addressed in collaboration with government and forestry related stakeholders

including political parties in order to get economic benefit from Terai forest.

6 Nepal Ma Ban

Ko Baigyanik

Bebasthapan

Radio Nepal January 4, 2012

at 7:30 PM to

8:30 PM

NFA Most of the rural people in Nepal are dependent on forest for their livelihood. In

addition, it has significant share of contribution on country‘s GDP. The

government decisions and policies have been mainly focusing on the timber related

issue but is still investing less in one hand and not implementing any policies for

commercialization of forest on the other. Scientific management of Nepals‘ forest

could offer more economic benefit which would support on poverty reduction of

the country and hence is necessary to practice by preparing the respective policies.

7 Forest based

enterprise

development

Makawanpur

FM and Radio

Ban Chautari

December 11,

2011 at 7:30

Asmita CFUGs have been conserving and managing the forest since last three decades in

Nepal. On the other hand, they have been investing on the forest based enterprise

within CFUGs that is supporting rural employment generation as well as resource

44

and provisions

in CF guideline

Karyakram AM- Par one utilization at the local level. So, forest based enterprise development has to be

encouraged in all CFUGs in order to maximize the benefit from forest and also to

generate the local employment. Makawanpur

FM and Radio

Ban Chautari

Karyakram

December 18,

2011 at 7:30

AM- Par two

Asmita

Proposal of

Forest Act 1993

amendment and

community

response

Makawanpur

FM and Radio

Ban Chautari

Karyakram

December 25,

2011 at 7:30

AM

Asmita Nepal government had proposed to amend the Forest Act 1993 in 2010 without

consultation with local communities and other forestry stakeholders. That was in

fact oriented to reduce the community right on forest resources and their access on

it. So, in the leadership of FECOFUN, CFUGs and other stakeholders, a series of

protest events had been organized along with the discussion with the government

officials which finally resulted in the withdrawal of the proposal. Hence,

community level empowerment is necessary in order to protect the community

right on the forest resources.

CF resource

mobilization on

community

development

Makawanpur

FM and Radio

Ban Chautari

Karyakram

January 1, 2012

at 7:30 AM

Asmita Some forest areas have been conserved and managed by the local communities as a

community managed forest in Nepal. Resources generated in CFUGs have been

utilized for livelihood improvement of local communities and community

development and hence contributing on the rural economic development. So, the

CF program has to be extended in all forest areas of Nepal.

8 Bna Chhatra ko

sawal ra Janata

ko Adhikar

(Issue in forestry

sector and

peoples‘ right)

Prakriti FM and

Ban ra

Batabaran

Karyakram

December 21,

2011 at 6:30

AM

Asmita The forest area of Nepal has been managed through different management regimes

in Nepal. Nepal government has been generating revenue from forestry sector that

is supporting the national economy. However, rampant corruption has been

defaming the forestry sector.. In addition, the forest policy process is still

centralized which does not acknowledge the community right over forest resources.

So, the policy reframing is necessary in order to ensure more benefit from forestry

sector in Nepal.