Sustainable Forest Management Program Gains Traction in Banke

Banke. The Sustainable Forest Management program is becoming increasingly effective in the community forests of Banke. According to Shankar Prasad Gupta, Senior Divisional Forest Officer at the Division Forest Office, Banke, the implementation of this program has not only helped conserve endangered species such as Indian Rosewood (Satisal), Saj, and Mauwa but has also improved the overall condition of the forests by protecting valuable species like Sal, Khayar, and Asna.

According to him, there are currently 119 community forests in Banke, covering an area of 26,116 hectares. Among these, the Sustainable Forest Management program has been implemented in 35 community forests, alongside two government-managed block forests.

Recently, the Bhuwarbhawani block forest management has been implemented over an area of 2,700 hectares in Raptisonari Rural Municipality-1, 3, and 4. Previously, the Shamshergunj-Mathewas block forest, covering 2,268 hectares, was already in operation in the district, said Senior Divisional Forest Officer Gupta.

The Sustainable Forest Management program in Banke was initially launched in 11 community forests. However, Senior Forest Officer Sushil Subedi of the Division Forest Office, Banke, stated that the program is expanding due to the success of the silviculture-based sustainable forest management system.

“Since the implementation of the 'silviculture system' in the forests, the condition of the forests has improved, and they have begun to serve as a strong source of income for consumers dependent on community forests,” said Subedi. “With the implementation of this program, employment opportunities have been created for the group members.”

A key strength of the Sustainable Forest Management program is the provision of equal wages for men and women while working on forest regeneration. Community forest consumers have been engaged in forest management activities such as bush clearing and the regeneration and promotion of valuable species like Sal and Khayar. Information Officer and Senior Forest Officer Tanka Gurung of the Division Forest Office, Banke, noted that consumers have increased their participation as the program has also become a source of income.

The implementation of sustainable forest management has created jobs and increased the income of the groups by three to eight times. He added that the community forest areas in the Kohalpur region are now becoming suitable habitats for species such as hyenas, four-horned antelopes, and vultures.