KATHMANDU: Forest and Environment Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri has stated that sustainable community forest management is possible only through shared vision, commitment, and responsibility.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 9th Council of the Community Forest Users’ Federation Nepal, Minister Shahi highlighted that collective determination, community dedication, and active local leadership have made community forest management effective.
“The time has come for us to transform community forest management with innovative thinking, technology, and sustainability strategies. Through enterprise development based on forest products, expanded market access, and value chains, new employment opportunities, increased local income, and social transformation can be achieved in rural areas,” Minister Shahi said.
He further stated that the ecological services provided by community forests—such as water source conservation, soil protection, and carbon storage—contribute not only to local lifestyles but also to global climate balance.
He noted that international initiatives like REDD+ have brought community forest groups to the forefront in issues of carbon benefit-sharing and environmental justice.
At the event, Federation Chairperson Thakur Bhandari expressed his commitment to advancing community forests as the backbone of the green economy, a strategic component of sustainable development, and a proud citizens’ movement.
Former Federation Chairpersons Hariprasad Nyaupane, Ganesh Karki, Ghanshyam Pande, Bharti Pathak, and others stressed that community forest management should prioritize not only conservation but also local needs, livelihoods, and balanced production at the national level to ensure sustainable forest management.
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