For years, indigenous communities managed forests sustainably but lacked formal recognition of their rights. Green Foundation Nepal supported 12 community forest user groups in a three-year advocacy campaign for policy reform. The campaign included documentation of traditional forest management practices, economic analysis demonstrating the value of community conservation, and sustained engagement with policymakers. The groups organized public hearings, presented evidence at legislative committees, and built alliances with other civil society organizations. Their efforts culminated in 2023 when the provincial government adopted new forest policies explicitly recognizing indigenous forest management rights and traditional knowledge. The policy change affects over 50,000 hectares of community-managed forests and sets a precedent for other provinces.
