Forests Of Nepal Research Articles

REDD+: A fine example of worst practice

Throughout the “Age of Aid” (1944–1989)4 development has been seen as essentially economic in nature. Increasingly, however, it has become apparent that it is economic only in its consequences. It is something else - entitlements, democratization … social capital - that makes development possible. A different paradigm is therefore needed, and we begin by sketching that by way of the various “experiments” - nationalization, privatization and communitization - with Nepal's forests over the past half-century. Nationalization and privatization turned out to be abysmal failures; communitization a great, and continuing, success. We relate all this to the differing patterns of interaction between four fundamental forms of social solidarity - individualism (eg markets), hierarchy (eg governments and aid donors), egalitarianism (eg activist groups) and fatalism (eg carriers of the “double burden”: poverty and social exclusion) - and go on to show that only when each is (a) able to make its “voice” heard and (b) is following its dharma5 (acting according to its distinctive morality rather than undermining it) do we get development. REDD+6, we then show, using examples of its implementation in Africa, is unremittingly hierarchical and does not satisfy these two conditions. We conclude with some suggestions for remedying these policy defects.

Effect of the irregular shelterwood system on soil organic carbon stock and soil quality of Shorea robusta Gaertn. f. forest in Nepal

The effective management of forests relies on the crucial role played bysilvicultural systems. However there exist a significant knowledge gap regarding impact of these systems in Nepalese forests. Therefore, this research was conducted to assess the effects of the forest management activities under irregular shelterwood system on soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and the overall soil quality of Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) forests in Terai region of Nepal. Stratified random sampling method with 1.67 % sampling intensity was adopted in this study where management of stands was used as basis of strata. A total of 30 composite soil samples (15 each from managed and unmanaged forest stands) were collected from a depth of 0–30 cm, taken from the four corners and the center of each plot. Soil quality index (SQI) method was used for soil quality assessment using indicators on the basis of prior studies conducted in Nepal. Our study found significant difference in soil parameters except organic carbon, pH, silt, and clay among the managed and unmanaged forest stands (p < 0.05). SOC stock of unmanaged forest stands (48.87 ± 1.34 ton ha−1) was significantly greater than managed forest stands (27.76 ± 1.27 ton ha−1). Similarly, unmanaged forest stands demonstrated better soil quality with higher SQI value (0.66) than managed forest stands (0.50). This negative impact of irregular shelterwood silviculture system highlights the necessity for management interventions to enhance SOC stock and overall soil quality. To establish a robust conclusion, further replication of similar studies at different soil depths and in other management regimes, along with longitudinal studies, is essential.

Comparison of Planted Pine versus Natural Mix Forests in Nepal

This study aimed to compare the socio-environmental benefits of one of the most widely planted forest species, i.e., Pinus roxburghii (Sarg., hereafter ‘Pine’ or ‘Pinus’) with naturally regenerated mixed forests in two community forests of Nepal. By analyzing tree rings, we estimate biomass production, carbon accumulation, and growth enhancement in both forest types using regression models, offering insights into sustainable forest management. Pinus forests exhibit instant social benefits through direct economic conversion and a higher rate of carbon sequestration. However, the lack of perpetuated production, due to unimodal stand structures, necessitates anthropogenic interventions for long-term sustainability. Challenges such as the absence of natural regeneration, frequent fires, limited undergrowth, limited species diversity, and likely soil erosion hinder long-term sustainability in Pinus forests. In contrast, natural regenerated mixed forests offer slow carbon sequestration with less opportunity for immediate economic conversion, yet they maintain a proportional age-class distribution and experience minimal fire incidence, abundant regeneration, higher biodiversity, and lower regeneration costs. Although no abrupt environmental disasters were observed through the dendrochronological assessment, a significant positive correlation (p &lt; 0.05) was found between age and girth at breast height, biomass, and volume of the forests. This study underscores the crucial role of human intervention beyond conventional management focusing on the protection motive to production-oriented forests in optimizing the socio-economic and environmental benefits of both forest types in the changing socio-environmental challenges through informed management planning.

Population structure and regeneration of Tsuga dumosa and Abies spectabilis across altitudinal gradient in Rasuwa district, central Nepal

In Nepal, Tsuga dumosa thrives well between 2,100-3,600 m altitudes above the mean sea level, mostly in the temperate region while Abies spectabilis occurs between 3,000-4,200 m altitude above the mean sea level in the sub-alpine region. Research on mature T. dumosa-A. spectabilis forests in Nepal is limited. This study aimed to analyze the population structure and regeneration status of T. dumosa and A. spectabilis in the high-altitude mixed forests of Rasuwa, central Nepal. Conducted in 2023, a total of 61 concentric circular sample plots were laid out following a stratified systematic sampling method. The population-structure-curve displayed a consistent upward trend showing abnormality. The abnormal population structure with a lack of young trees and poor regeneration status in both species points towards potential threats like grazing and wildfires. The highest DBH class ranged from 90 cm to 120 cm DBH for T. dumosa while from 60 cm to 90 cm DBH for A. spectabilis. The study found that the seedling condition of T. dumosa species was ‘fair’ in the lower (2800-3100 m) and middle stratum (3100-3400 m), while it was ‘poor’ in the upper-elevation stratum (3400-3600 m). On the other hand, the seedling condition of A. spectabilis was found to be ‘poor’ in all the three elevation strata. Furthermore, the sapling condition of both the species were found to be ‘poor’. Therefore, the studied forest requires sustainable management along with a comprehensive strategy combining controlled grazing, zonation, monitoring, community engagement, regulation enforcement, restoration, ongoing research, and public awareness.

Driving Factors and Spatial Distribution of Aboveground Biomass in the Managed Forest in the Terai Region of Nepal

Above-ground biomass (AGB) is affected by numerous factors, including topography, climate, land use, or tree/forest attributes. Investigating the distribution and driving factors of AGB within the managed forests in Nepal is crucial for developing effective strategies for climate change mitigation, and sustainable forest management and conservation. A total of 110 field plots (circular 0.02 ha plots with a 9 m radius), and airborne laser scanning (ALS)-light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data were collected in 2021. The random forest (RF) model was employed to predict the AGB at a 30 m × 30 m resolution based on 32 LiDAR metrics derived from ALS returns. The study assessed the relationships between the AGB distribution and nine independent variables using statistical techniques like the random forest model and partial dependence plots. Results showed that the mean value of the estimated AGB was 120 tons/ha, ranging from 0 to 446.42 tons/ha. AGB showed higher values in the northeast and southeast regions, gradually decreasing towards the northwest. Land use land cover, mean annual temperature, and mean annual precipitation were identified as the primary factors influencing the variability in AGB distribution, accounting for 64% of the variability. Elevation, slope, and distance from rivers were positively correlated with AGB, while proximity to roads had a negative correlation. The increase in precipitation and temperature contributed to the initial rise in AGB, but beyond a certain lag, these variables led to a decline in AGB. This study showed the efficiency of the random forest model and partial dependence plots in examining the relationship between the AGB and its driving factors within managed forests. The study highlights the importance of understanding the AGB driving factors and utilizing LiDAR data for informed decisions regarding the region’s sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation efforts.

Spatial Distribution of Soil Organic Carbon in the Forests of Nepal

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the major constituent of the soil organic matter. SOC stocks are determined by several factors such as altitude, slope, aspect, canopy cover, and vegetation type. Using the Third National Forest Inventory (2010–2014) data of Nepal, we assessed SOC status in forests at a national scale for the better understanding of the SOC distribution within Nepal. In this study, we estimated SOC against different factors and tested the spatial distribution of SOC using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the forests located at a higher altitude have higher SOC accumulation. In particular, broadleaved forests exhibit a higher amount of carbon stock compared to other forest types. Moreover, forests with a larger canopy cover, located on a higher slope, and with a cooler aspect are associated with a higher accumulation of SOC. The SOC stock in the forest varies according to altitude, slope, aspect, canopy cover, and forest type, which might be attributed to the change in the microclimate of the area. The significant increase in SOC amount with the increase in slope, altitude, and crown cover helps to understand the extent of SOC distribution in forests. Broadleaved forests with a larger canopy cover in the higher altitude region have a higher SOC retention potential, which is likely to contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change by sinking more carbon into the soil.

Carbon stocks and sequestration potential of community forests in Bhutan

Community Forestry (CF) is recognized globally as a forest management regime with the potential to address deforestation and forest degradation, provide forest goods and services to local communities and contribute to climate change mitigation. Around 4% of Bhutan's forests are currently under CF management and these forests provide essential goods and services for local communities. However, the potential of CF in Bhutan to contribute to climate change mitigation is not well understood and has not been researched.In this study, we estimated the carbon stock and carbon sequestration of community forests in Bhutan by using data from the 2015 National Forest Inventory (NFI). The total biomass carbon in community forests was 130.3 Mg ha−1 (107.3–153.2) and the soil organic carbon was 52.8 Mg ha−1 (30.4–75.1). Carbon sequestration was 0.7 Mg ha−1 yr⁻¹. Other attributes: basal area, stem density and tree height, were also determined to assess forest condition and the potential to increase carbon sequestration.The values for biomass carbon in Bhutan's community forests as well as the non-community forests (all other forests) were similar to those reported from Forest Resource Assessment and NFI for forests in Nepal and the Indian Himalayan states respectively. Disaggregation of data from 38 research studies across the Himalayan region indicated that biomass carbon in Bhutan's forests was significantly lower than that in well-stocked (non-degraded) forests in the Indian and Nepal Himalayas. It was also much lower than that in Bhutan's Forest Management Units, which were used as an indicator of the potential upper limit of biomass carbon in Bhutan's forest environment. Similarly, basal area, stem density and mean tree height were also lower in Bhutan's community forests than in well-stocked forests in other Himalayan countries.The Bhutan Government is currently exploring the potential to generate revenue from the sale of carbon sequestered in its forests. This study confirms that there is potential to increase carbon sequestration by improving management of existing forests. Currently, the 107,866 ha of community forests in Bhutan store about 19 million Mg of carbon. With improved management by Community Forest Management Groups, which have the institutional capacity to control local management outcomes, the carbon stock could likely be doubled (to 40 million Mg of carbon), thereby demonstrating the potential of Community Forestry to play an important role in climate change mitigation, while not jeopardizing the provision of day-to-day goods and services to local communities.

Decoupling REDD+ understanding of local stakeholders on the onset of materializing carbon credits from forests in Nepal

REDD+1 is an economic incentivizing mechanism aimed at reducing or offsetting of carbon emissions in forests, while realizing multiple benefits alongside climate action. Engaging local stakeholders is crucial for its sustainable implementation and benefit-sharing mechanism. This study focuses on the knowledge and understanding of local-level stakeholders about REDD+ and its associated attributes, revealing significant knowledge gaps between areas with and without REDD+ ​pilot activities. For this, we conducted the semi-structured questionnaire interviews (n ​= ​136), key informant interviews (n ​= ​27), and focus group discussions (n ​= ​4) with local-level REDD+ ​stakeholders (LLRS) comprising both inside and outside of pilot project districts in three provinces of Nepal, by adopting the concept of socio-ecological systems (SES). Data were analyzed using a generalized linear model (GLM) and visualized through Sankey diagrams. The results indicate a poor understanding (29%) of LLRS on the REDD+ ​process, its relationship with forests, concerns among stakeholders, and its potential significance. The perception of REDD+ ​knowledge, mechanisms, and benefits significantly (p ​< ​0.05) varied across study areas, age groups, genders, professional backgrounds, educational levels, ownership of private forests, and types of household energy sources used among respondents. Despite receiving readiness funds, stakeholders’ comprehension of the REDD+ ​process remains limited, indicating suboptimal policy implementation. Knowledge gaps were influenced by social background, voices and choices, and the fear of REDD+ ​disrupting traditional practices among the LLRS. The study emphasizes the need to redress the concerns of LLRS by considering their social backgrounds and traditional practices through informed and participatory decision-making, enhance communication, transparency, and inclusive forest governance. The findings show that current external support has not sufficiently enhanced capacity among LLRS, suggesting the need for sufficient and sustainable support through national policy and financing mechanisms. Further, the study identified extremely poor REDD+ ​-related knowledge dissemination within communities, exacerbating challenges in implementation and benefit-sharing mechanisms, revealing the simplification of its process is essential. The study advocates for revising REDD+ ​-related policies to optimize benefits, ensure smooth implementation, realize fair and equitable carbon credits from forests, and foster shared responsibility and ownership among all stakeholders in climate actions through improved forest governance.

Attempting affirmative political ecologies: Collective transformative learning for social justice in Nepal's community forestry

Whilst political ecology scholarship has contributed much to articulating social injustices associated with Nepal's community forestry, here we took a different approach, by attempting an 'affirmative political ecology.' We drew on feminist and activist scholarship to inspire collective action that engaged directly with challenges of social justice and those charged with delivering it through their work. Guided by theories and practices of 'transformative learning' and a range of associated reflective practices, our participatory action research involved 4 facilitators and (up to) 25 participants who work across Nepal's forest bureaucracy (and for some, the wider community-based natural resource management sector). Together physically, remotely and through our writing, we reflect upon the operation of power in our professional – and personal – lives, exploring how that may enable a more informed and meaningful engagement with social justice within the workplace, and beyond. This article presents the process of our collective reflection and learning, and shares some of its initial outcomes based on the experiences of the 15 co-authors. Whilst 'simply' having the time and space to come together was hugely important, it was the form and feel of that space that was particularly significant, as we focused on co-creating a safe space which was non-judgmental and based on mutual respect, enabling comfortable and open discussion of often unspoken and uncomfortable issues. Ultimately, this article argues that collective practices of reflection and transformative learning can create shared learning, understanding, empathy and solidarity, and thus that it offers hope in the face of on-going social injustices. It therefore urges political ecologists to work towards such caring and affirmative collective engagements with practitioners as one way in which to affect change.

Implications of irregular shelterwood system on regeneration and species diversity of Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) forest in Nepal

Silvicultural systems are essential for effective forest management and utilize the resources by conserving biodiversity, health, and valuable services forests offer to society. However, Nepal faces a significant knowledge gap due to the limited data on the effect of silvicultural systems and forest management practices on tree diversity and regeneration. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the effects of canopy opening on natural regeneration and species diversity of Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) forest in comparison to managed and control blocks in the southern plains of Nepal under irregular shelterwood systems. The vegetation sampling was carried out by the quadrat method (plot of 10 m* 10 m) for studying 48 plots in both managed and control forest areas. The Shannon-Wiener Index and the Simpson Index were used to measure species diversity, whereas Margalef's index was used to measure species richness. Dominant tree species in both managed and control forest areas were identified through the Important Value Index (IVI). The seedling and sapling density of Sal was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in managed blocks. Seedlings of Sal from the seed origin were notably more abundant in the managed block (p < 0.01), whereas those from coppice origin exhibited higher numbers in the control block (p < 0.01). Sal was found to be dominant species in both managed block (IVI = 199.94) and control (IVI = 108.34). The species diversity and richness were significantly declining in the managed forest (p < 0.01) with higher species dominance in comparison to the control blocks. Our study found a positive correlation of canopy cover with species diversity (r = 0.69, p < 0.01) and richness (r = 0.59, p < 0.01) whereas a negative correlation with seedling (r = −0.43, p < 0.01) and sapling density (r = −0.16, p < 0.01). The application of the irregular shelterwood system in study area has effectively promoted natural Sal regeneration while concurrently reducing species diversity. To strike a balance between timber production and biodiversity conservation in these forests, further research focusing on moderating felling intensity within the irregular shelterwood system is strongly recommended.

Divergent Effects of Topography on Soil Properties and Above-Ground Biomass in Nepal’s Mid-Hill Forests

Various factors, including topography, climate, soil attributes, and vegetation composition, influence above-ground biomass productivity in forest ecosystems. Despite the success of community forestry in restoring degraded hill forests in Nepal, existing research offers limited insights into how topographic factors and plant species affect soil chemical properties and, in turn, influence above-ground biomass. This study investigates the interrelations between altitude, aspect, soil depth, and vegetation type on soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (P), available potassium (K), and soil pH. These soil metrics are further correlated with forestry indices, such as diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height (Ht), above-ground tree biomass (AGTB), basal area (BA), and above-ground total carbon (AGTC), in the mid-hill region of central Nepal. Our findings indicate that aspect had a significant influence on SOC (p &lt; 0.001), TN (p &lt; 0.001), P (p &lt; 0.05), and pH (p &lt; 0.001) levels. Soils in the northwest (NW) aspect exhibited higher levels of SOC and TN but lower levels of P and pH than those in the southeast (SE) aspect. Altitude did not significantly affect soil properties. Variations in SOC, TN, K, and pH were observed across different soil depths. Key forestry metrics like DBH, Ht, AGTB, and AGTC were notably higher at elevated altitudes and under the NW aspect. We also found that vegetation composition adds a layer of complexity to the relationship between aspect, soil properties, and above-ground biomass. The higher altitudes in the SE aspect are more conducive to above-ground biomass productivity, while the NW aspect is favorable for higher levels of SOC and TN in the soil. These variations could be due to differences in carbon deposition rates, plant compositions, soil microbial activities, and microclimatic conditions between the aspects. These findings highlight the need for holistic forest management approaches that consider topographic factors, soil depth, and plant species, offering practical implications for the region’s sustainable forest management and restoration efforts.

Impacts of Earthquake and Earthquake-induced Disasters on Community Forests in Nepal

Managing the commons is a challenging issue during crisis such as earthquakes. We considered four community forests, two from Gorkha and one from each of Dolakha and Sindupalchowk districts that were major earthquake affected areas. The study made use of ecological and socioeconomic survey techniques to assess the impacts of earthquake on community forests and management status of those forests. We calculated density of seedling, sapling and tree species and diameter size distribution of trees. We also analysed the forest status changes before and after the earthquake events and distribution of timber and fire wood in the community forest user groups. Seedling, sapling and adult trees number wise regeneration status of trees was good in all the studied forest whereas DBH size class diagram were bell shaped indicating unsustainable regeneration. Most of the respondents reported poor forest management after the earthquake and wood distribution has drastically increased after the earthquake 2015. From this study it is recommended that community forest management practices should be resilient to disasters and prepare alternative solutions to lower the pressure on forest products so as to maintain sustainable regeneration of forest trees and regular supplies of resources in future.

Vertical distribution of soil properties and soil organic carbon in community managed forest of Siwalik Hill, Nepal

Abstract. Lamichhane U, Ghimire P. 2022. Vertical distribution of soil properties and soil organic carbon in community managed forest of Siwalik Hill, Nepal. Asian J For 6: 91-96. Nepal's Community Forestry (CF) approach is globally recognized as an innovative and successful approach to forest resource management. Shorea robusta Gaertn. is the dominant tree species of Nepal's forest which covers 19.28% of the total stem volume of the country's forest area. Soil represents a significant terrestrial Carbon (C) pool and can play a significant role in mitigating global warming. Therefore, analyzing soil physicochemical properties and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stock is essential because they are key parameters for evaluating land use management systems. The present study was conducted in the Durga Mai Community Forest (DMCF) of Makawanpur District, Nepal, to assess the vertical distribution of soil physicochemical properties and SOC stock. Soil samples within a 1 m profile in five depth layers (0-20 cm, 21-40 cm, 41-60 cm, 61-80cm, and 81-100 cm) were collected and analyzed for Bulk Density (BD), soil texture, soil pH, soil carbon content, Total Nitrogen (TN), Available Phosphorous (AP), Available Potassium (AK) and SOC stock. Sandy loam was the dominant soil textural class reported throughout the study area. Average BD, soil pH, TN, AP, and AK in the S. robusta forest's soil in 1 m soil profile depth were found to be 1.16 ±0.07 gmcm-3, 5.78 ±0.62, 0.14 ±0.04 %, 5.94 ±1.04 kgha-1, and 104.20 ±19.66 kgha-1, respectively. The results estimated 107.57 ±3.06 tha-1 of SOC stock in 1 m soil profile, with 0.93 ±0.21% average SOC content. Further, average TN, AP, and AK were found to be decreased with an increase in soil profile depths. Similarly, soil profile depths significantly affected SOC stock and soil properties like BD, soil pH, TN, AP, and AK.

A Strategy for involving community forest managers in effective forest fire management in Nepal

Each year forest fire causes enormous damage to Nepal's forest ecosystems and landscape. For an active community involvement at the landscape level, policymakers must take the interests of local forest managers into account to increase social acceptability. This research explores the perception of community forest managers, who are constantly managing forests at the grassroots level, to understand the relationship between their priorities, needs, and attitudes toward forest fire management. Eighty–eight key informants from six districts were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into three major sections, (i) forest fuel management and infrastructure, (ii) forest fire management strategies and actions, and (iii) public education and awareness on forest fire management. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, where the respondents rated above 4.2 out of 5 for activities like increase of insurance mechanisms, providing training for firefighting volunteer groups, and provisioning firefighting equipment. The majority of the respondents agreed on the activities under the forest fire management strategies and actions section (Kendall's Tau = 0.8501), followed by forest fuel management and infrastructure (Kendall’s Tau= 0.6757). We anticipate that the results of this study will be helpful for the local decision–makers in involving different communities and identifying their priorities while implementing various forest fire management activities in diverse landscapes or provinces of the country.

Forest—People nexus in changing livelihood contexts: Evidence from community forests in Nepal

Community forestry in Nepal has set an example of people's participation in forest management. The direct dependency of local people on forest resources for livelihood activities has been one of the key adhesive factors for collective efforts in forest management. Changing livelihood strategies from agriculture-based livelihoods to migration (and remittances thereof) and the service sector, introduces a new dispensation which is yet to be sufficiently understood. This paper explores the changing livelihood strategies of forest users and analyses their effects on participation in forest management. The structured household survey (n = 106), key informant interviews (n = 6), and focal group discussions (n = 3) in three community forest user groups in the mid-hills of Nepal were employed to analyze the changing livelihood strategies in the last 15 years, and to underscore their implications for forest management. We followed the recall process, and in order to ease the recall process, the reference events were discussed with the respondent. The result showed an increasing switch to non-forest dependent livelihood strategies, characterized by the emergence of non-agriculture (remittance, business, service) sectors. While there is no change in the number of CF meetings attended, and the average time spent per meeting by user households, a decreasing dependence on forests, as well as the willingness to participate in forest management was recorded. These were associated with the change in livelihood strategies from agriculture to non-agriculture-based practices. This context justifies the need for a re-think on how to stabilize the rural sector to limit rural exodus and the management of community forest resources in the mid-hills of Nepal.

A survey of snake diversity in Bardiya National Park and associated corridor forest in Nepal

A survey of snake diversity in Bardiya National Park and associated corridor forest in Nepal

Livelihood Dependency and Inequality in Community Forests of Nepal

This study is to examine empirically livelihood dependency and inequality of the community from the community forest in Nepal. This study used the follow up survey data in 2018 in the Kafle Community Forest of Lamatar-6, Lalitpur District, Nepal. The data was collected from household survey to 48 sample household. Gini coefficient was used as analytical tool. As the results, 67 percent households are absolute poor and 23 percent households are relatively poor. The poor households excessively and directly dependent on the forest products of the community forests for their daily livelihood objectives. This study found that community forests contributed 45 percent livelihood income (firewood, leaf litter, and grass, water etc.) to the forest-dependent households, along with service and agriculture income sources. Labor contribution based proportional distribution was used to meet social and economic justice. The poor could get more benefit than the well-off households. Additionally, the study found declining inequality among households after being a member of KCF. Without the income of the community forests, the inequality was 0.99. With the income of the community forests, the inequality sharply dropped at 0.64. Thus, the community forests reduce income inequality and poverty level of the poor households with increasing livelihood security and support. Therefore, the community forests are an effective and collective action to sustainable forest management and livelihood security.

Implications of Anthropogenic Disturbances for Species Diversity, Recruitment and Carbon Density in the Mid-Hills Forests of Nepal

Almost three-fourths of forests are experiencing anthropogenic disturbances globally, and more than two-thirds of the forests in Nepal receive different types of disturbances. In community forests (CFs), local communities are dependent on the ecosystem services provided by the forests for various aspects of their livelihoods, which disturb the forests' natural conditions and ecosystem functioning in a variety of ways. This study tested the major disturbance factors that had influential roles on plant species diversity, recruitment (seedlings and saplings), biomass, soil organic carbon (SOC) and total carbon density in two community-managed forests in the Mid-hills of Nepal. The stump number, cut-off seedlings and saplings, lopping, dropping, and grazing/trampling were used as measures of the major anthropogenic disturbances. The necessary data were collected from 89 randomly selected sample plots, each with an area of 250 m2. The responses to anthropogenic disturbances were analyzed using Generalized Linear Models (GLM). The results showed that forest lopping was the most significant anthropogenic disturbance for biomass and total carbon density balance. A higher degree of lopping in the forests resulted in a lowering of the forests′ carbon stock in the study area. SOC showed no significant response to any of the tested anthropogenic disturbances. Woody species richness and number of saplings increased with an increasing number of stumps, which signifies that intermediate disturbance was beneficial. However, a higher intensity of lopping reduced the sapling density. Grazing/trampling was the most significant disturbance for inhibiting seedling growth. Areas in the forests with a higher intensity of trampling showed lower numbers of seedlings and saplings. These results will be a guide for managing anthropogenic disturbances in multiple-use forests in Nepal, as well as those in similar socio-economic environments worldwide.

Forest Carbon Storage and Species Richness in FSC Certified and Non-certified Community Forests in Nepal

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) forest certification was introduced in Nepal with an assumption that it improves forests and ecosystem services while addressing the drivers of forest degradation. As of today, 89 community forests (CF) have been FSC certified, however empirical evidence on the contribution of forest certification on carbon stock and species richness is lacking. This research, thus tries to answer the question “do certified community forests (CCF) maintain higher carbon stock and species richness compared to non-certified community forests (NCF)?” The study collected field level data during February–May 2013 from 88 experimental plots. The study found higher carbon stock (p<0.05) and species richness, and lower ecological threat index (p<0.10) in the CCF, compared to NCF. The study showed that forest carbon stock is positively related to species richness, and negatively to ecological threat index. It suggests that sustainable forest management practices, that is generally adopted in the CCF, would minimize ecological threats, enriches species leading to enhanced carbon stock.

Assessment of Productivity and Profitability through Scientific Forest Management in Sal (Shorea robusta) Forest of Nepal: A Case Study from Patela Community Forest, Kailali District, Nepal

Scientific forest management (SciFM) ensures improved productivity and healthy forests that are crucial for the economic development and prosperity of forest-dependent country like Nepal. This study analyzes the effects of the silvicultural intervention on the regeneration of Sal (Shorea robusta), plant species diversity, and income through the flow of forest products in the Patela Community Forest in Kailali District of Nepal, where Sal (S. robusta) forest has been managed under an Irregular Shelterwood System with 80 years of the rotation period since fiscal year 2017/18. The vegetation sampling was done by the quadrat method based on the principle of stratified random sampling from the managed and unmanaged parts of the forest. The climate based site productivity was analyzed. The profitability of scientific forest management was analyzed by income and cost incurred in managing the forest. The study revealed the promising regeneration of S. robusta in the managed areas compared to the unmanaged area. The silvicultural intervention had a significant negative effect on plant diversity showing an increase in the concentration of dominance of S. robusta. An implementation of SciFM plan generated a total net benefit of 187,000 US$ in the last 2017/18, and 2018/19 fiscal years. This study recommends existing natural forests to be managed based on sound silvicultural principles to improve the degrading nature of the productive forest that can generate revenue for the country and opportunity for community development.