Evolving Perspectives of Sustainability in the Case of Community Forestry in Nepal

Abstract

Nepal's community forestry has evolved from afforestation, forest conservation, social inclusion and equity to harnessing economic potentials. It has shown immense potential for forest sustainability by integrating ecological, social and economic dimensions but historically these dimensions received shifting focus hence one or more dimensions received inadequate attention. The donor priorities, discourses spanning from national and international arenas and shifting government policies had an effect on inflated treatment to one or the other dimensions of sustainability. We argue that by granting clear, strong and perpetual tenure rights to local communities would help better integrate ecological, social and economic dimensions of sustainability of forest commons.