The Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN) secured government approval for six Community Forest Operational Plans (CFOPs) in Gandaki Province, integrating Sustainable Forest Management guidelines for the first time. Many Community Forest User Groups had previously been unable to renew outdated plans, leaving forests unmanaged and limiting women’s and youth participation.
Gayanimaya Tamang, a member of the Lag Lage Pacha Community Forest User Group near Kathmandu, Nepal, fertilizes the soil.
Photo: RRI, 2025
The renewed CFOPs covered 378.67 hectares, expanded forest coverage, improved forest stock, and introduced livelihood innovations, including eco-tourism, non-timber forest product cultivation, and carbon trade potential.
To institutionalize progress, FECOFUN convened policy dialogues at the provincial and federal levels in 2025. Provincial authorities committed to allocating forestry development funds for additional renewals, while federal authorities pledged to simplify operational plan formats, strengthen coordination across government levels, and ensure budget allocation for renewals nationwide. These reforms strengthen community forestry governance while expanding participation and livelihood opportunities in the province.
