A Major Activity in Community Forests Introduction Community forestry programs in Nepal was officially started in the late 1970s. Since then a number of projects have been implemented in the field of community forestry, particularly in the hill districts. The efforts in community forestry have brought positive result in creating and regenerating forest resources. Such result in community forestry has gained their credibility in the country and internationally as well.
Community forestry is a major strategy for developing and managing forest resources of the country.
The central policy of the government is intended to meet the basic requirements of the communities through the active participation of individuals and communities in forest development and management. Furthermore, the government has introduced the Forest Act 1993 in order to support community forestry program as a major strategy in the country. Basic requirements, particularly firewood, fodder and timber of the community are met through silvicultural practice, a management operation to improve forest condition. This operation is commonly known as 'ban godne' in Nepali. Literally translated, ban godne means cleaning and shrub cutting.