Communities combine nature conservation and local development

The focus was on Nepal's Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) - an internationally recognised pioneering model for participatory forest governance. The project supported them in drawing up 41 community forest management plans in accordance with the new National Forest Management Standard (NFSS), which contains clear guidelines for biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of non-timber forest products and forest fire prevention. In addition, 51 CFUGs received technical and institutional support to manage their forests sustainably and prevent fires effectively.

Farmland also benefited from the project: 574 households in 27 farmer groups introduced climate- and wildlife-friendly cultivation methods, for example for mentha, turmeric and ginger, in order to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Four newly founded municipal-level farmers’ associations across the district promote the long-term exchange of knowledge and markets. One particular innovation was the "Participatory Guarantee System" (PGS), a community-based quality assurance machanism for organic products, which serves as a model for the regional introduction of organic standards in Madhyabindu.

Local companies combine income and nature conservation

A key building block for the sustainability of the project was the promotion of community-based businesses that combine income opportunities with nature conservation. Seven businesses - from the processing of herbs and the distillation of essential oils to the composting of organic waste and local ecotourism offers - were founded and strengthened. In addition, the formation of a Public-Private-Community Alliance (PPCA) in Kawasoti promoted cooperation between various stakeholders in sustainable local development, which led to the establishment of a municipal tourism department and the development of an ecotourism strategy - an example of how cooperation can bring about systemic change.

Awareness-raising and environmental education formed a central part of the project. Together with municipalities, the divisional forestry office, community forest networks and schools, awareness campaigns and school programmes were implemented in which over 1,500 students took part. Two interpretive eco-trails - the Tiger and Rhino Trail and the Jharanakhola Nature and Culture Trail - offer both outdoor learning spaces and tourist attractions that combine local knowledge with conservation. Inclusion was universal: 45% of participants were women, and young people played an active role in the activities.