Research article on forest conservation

The Importance of Forest Conservation in Nepal

Kabita Tamang, Department of Environmental Science

Abstract

Forests and other wooded land cover about 45 percent of Nepal and provide environmental, economic and social benefits. This article explains the importance of conserving them and the threats they face, using published national forest assessments. It concludes that community forestry has been a success and that stronger protection and sustainable use are needed to keep the forests for future generations.

Keywords: forest conservation, Nepal, community forestry, biodiversity, climate

Introduction

Forests are an essential resource for Nepal. According to the national forest assessment, forest covers about 5.96 million hectares, or 40.4 percent, of the country, and with other wooded land the total is about 44.7 percent (Department of Forest Research and Survey, 2015). Forests provide livelihoods to millions of rural people.

Importance of forests

1. Environmental protection: tree roots hold the soil and prevent landslides and floods, especially on steep hills; forests regulate water flow and keep springs alive.
2. Climate: they absorb carbon dioxide and reduce global warming.
3. Biodiversity: they shelter tigers, rhinos, red pandas, birds and thousands of plant species, including medicinal herbs.
4. Economic value: they provide timber, firewood, fodder, honey, herbs and other non-timber products, and support tourism in national parks such as Chitwan and Sagarmatha.
5. Energy and hydropower: healthy watersheds protect hydropower dams from siltation.
6. Social and cultural value: many communities depend on forests for religion, medicine and culture.

Threats

Illegal logging, forest fires, encroachment for farmland and settlements, overgrazing, unplanned roads and infrastructure, and climate change threaten the forests.

Conservation efforts and recommendations

Nepal's community forestry programme, in which local user groups manage forests, is regarded as a world model; over 22,000 groups manage about a third of the forest area. To protect forests further: (1) enforce laws against illegal felling; (2) promote biogas, LPG and electricity to reduce firewood use; (3) control fires with local watch groups; (4) plan roads with environmental assessments; (5) plant native trees on bare land; (6) increase incomes from forest products and eco-tourism; and (7) raise awareness in schools and communities.

Conclusion

Forests are the base of Nepal's environment and economy. Conserving them is not a choice but a necessity, and it needs a shared effort from the government, communities and citizens.

References

• Department of Forest Research and Survey. (2015). State of Nepal's forests. Government of Nepal.
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2020). Global forest resources assessment 2020: Main report. FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/ca9825en