ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the evolutionary trend of forest tenure in Nepal and its implication on forest condition, livelihoods and equity. By disaggregating the bundle of rights and tenure systems in Nepal, we explore how these factors influence outcomes of community forestry, and to what extent it is possible for tenure reform to achieve the twin goals of contributing to people’s livelihoods and conservation of forest resources simultaneously. Different models of community-based forestry in Nepal are presented, and their outcomes in terms of resource management and livelihoods considered in relation to the bundle of rights allocated. The experience of forest tenure reform in Nepal is then placed in the context of reform unfolding at the global and regional levels in order to understand how Nepal’s policies are informed by the global and how the global trend is informed by Nepal’s experience. Finally, the chapter considers issues for the future of Nepal’s community forestry.
