Transforming Nepal’s Green Cover to Green Wealth
Summary
Nepal has expanded forest cover to around 46 percent, but much of its usable timber still goes to waste while the country continues to import wood. The country is being urged to shift from measuring forests by coverage alone to managing them sustainably for timber, jobs, livelihoods and climate-related revenue.
Key Points
- Nepal’s forest cover has risen to around 46 percent, but the country still imports timber despite having usable wood in its own forests.
- The article argues that forest policy should prioritize sustainable productivity, biodiversity, natural regeneration and forest health, not just coverage.
- Community forestry could generate more income through sustainable timber production, local enterprises and forest-based industries, with communities sharing the benefits.
- Forests can also create value through ecosystem services such as carbon storage, water protection and biodiversity, opening doors to climate finance and carbon markets.
