11 June, Kathmandu: The Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation is to give continuity to the leasehold forestry program under the community-based forests management scheme.
Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation Mahesh Acharya gave this information speaking at a program on the leasehold forests. He disclosed that the leasehold forest program is to be expanded by means of the forthcoming policy and program of the government.
The Department of Forests (DoF) is currently implementing the community based forests management program in 26 districts with the financial and technical support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agriculture Development and the Government of Finland.
The program is under implementation since the last 22 years with the objective of environment protection and poverty alleviation.
The program is expected to be a milestone in improving the living standard of the economically and socially marginalized communities.
DoF has stated that the leasehold forests management scheme would be continued as it was found to be effective in the uplift of the economic and social condition of the oppressed, Dalits, indigenous nationalities and women. The Department’s this assertion comes in the context of the termination this year of the project term of the three agencies by providing financial and technical support and no additional information regarding funding received from any quarters so far.
Altogether 7418 leasehold forest users’ groups have been formed so far in 22 years’ period and 42,835 hectares of inferior forests has been handed over to these groups for a term of about 40 years.
The Minister also said that the forthcoming budget statement would address programs like the Chure Conservation and handing over the management of the newly-afforested areas on the sides of the road and rivers to the local communities for their proper protection.
Member of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr Bimala Rai said that the commission was preparing policy measures for the sustainable conservation of forests and making it a means of income.
Secretary at the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Dr Ganesh Raj Joshi, said the Ministry has begun policy reform measures for addressing the legal hurdles in connection with the management of the leasehold forests.
Some 100 experts, foresters and representatives of the communities are participating in the three-day programme held with the objective of highlighting the fruits and benefits of the leasehold forestry and addressing the problems seen in the sector.
