IDEAS Insights Forest Management in Nepal | Page 7

As expected, forest stock is lower after an earthquake has occurred. However, prior to the
earthquake, the stock reaches capacity, oscillates, and decreases continually. The growth
rate, k, may be responsible for the disruptive pattern. We do not see this behaviour in the
post-earthquake model. One interpretation might be that, post-earthquake, the lower stock
levels allow growth without destabilization, as tree density and canopy closure are much
lower.
However, both models demonstrate a trend for forest stock depletion over time, with this
effect exacerbated post-earthquake. The current 2.75 ha/capita extraction rate is not
sustainable for timber harvesting regardless of the earthquake's impact. If Nepal wishes to
secure its forestry sector, greater emphasis must be placed on sustainability.

Land coverage in Nepal, mapped and composed using Landsat
Thematic Mapper at a 30m resolution.
Picture: Uddin et al., 23 July 2015/Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)