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Promoting sustainable forest management to improve food and livelihood security in Nepal
The problem
Nepal is a progressive example of decentralised forest management with a third of the nation ’ s forest lands managed by community groups . However , inequitable planning and governance , and passive forest management has stymied community forests and agricultural systems .
Nepal ’ s Middle Hills are home to 44 % of the population with more than two-thirds reliant on agriculture and forest products for their livelihoods . Poverty , food security and inequality are significant challenges for the region , with many living at subsistence levels .
Our solution
Adopting more active and equitable forest management can improve food security , health , wealth and education , says Associate Professor Krishna Shrestha . The environmental and development geographer from UNSW ’ s School of Social Sciences is himself the son of a farmer from an Indigenous Newar community in rural Nepal .
He is part of an international partnership that dates back to 2012 , promoting sustainable forest management for improved food and livelihood security in Nepal . They work with community forestry user groups in the Middle Hills to improve productivity , social equity and environmental impact .
The current project , Enhancing Livelihoods though Improved Forest Management in Nepal , uses inclusive strategic planning to address inequities in governance , uplifting community priorities and values . It engages with not-for-profit organisations and households through interviews , focus groups and forestry , business and entrepreneurship initiatives .