RECOFTC Nepal
recoftc-map_nepal

With a long-term, landscape-based and inclusive approach to supporting local communities, RECOFTC Nepal has been laying the groundwork and enhancing the capacity for community forestry in the country since the 1990s.

Working with government, civil society, community and other stakeholders, we help strengthen the implementation of sustainable landscape management in Nepal. Our work helps communities secure resource rights, address deforestation, find alternative livelihoods and foster gender equality.

Securing Nepal's threatened Sacred Himalayan landscape

The Sacred Himalayan landscape covers more than 9.5 million hectares of steep mountains and hills, sheltering immense biodiversity. It is also a vital source of water for people living downstream

Bishnupur CF with it's settlements
Securing Nepal's threatened Eastern Chure Terai Complex landscape

The Eastern Chure Terai Complex is home to 13 percent of Nepal's population, including some of the most marginalized communities. It has three important ecological regions, including mountains, hills and plains. 

Community-managed forests in Oaxaca, Mexico engage local communities and utilize their Indigenous knowledge and investment in the land. Photo by Reem Hajjar, OSU- DISES
Featured story
Embracing community forestry and community-based fire management: Lessons from Mexico and Nepal

An article published in The Guardian in May 2024 highlights two significant successes in the forestry sector of Oaxaca, Mexico – a decline in wildfires and an increase in biodiversity. It draws a causal link between these successes and the involvement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in forest management. 

Projects from Nepal
Hero image - Nepal Development of resource mobilization action plan on community-centered forest fire management
Project status
Ongoing project

Development of resource mobilization action plan on community-centered forest fire management

The project aims to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based resource mobilization plan for forest fire management in Nepal, centered around the...

Location:
Nepal
Duration:
13 June 2025 - 12 March 2026
Donors:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Strengthening Indigenous Peoples and local community engagement in jurisdictional REDD+
Project status
Ongoing project

Strengthening Indigenous Peoples and local community engagement in jurisdictional REDD+

The project aims to ensure greater engagement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities at grassroots levels in the design and implementation of the...

Location:
Nepal
Duration:
01 April 2025 - 30 April 2026
Donors:
Re-wild
SAGE Assessment
Project status
Ongoing project

Scaling-up equitable governance in area-based conservation (SEGA)

This project strengthens equitable governance in Nepal’s protected and conserved areas by enabling Indigenous Peoples and local communities to...

Location:
Nepal
Duration:
01 May 2024 - 31 March 2028
Donors:
Darwin Initiative
A picturesque view of a rural mountainous landscape in Nepal.
Project status
Past project

Securing and protecting investments and capacities for environmental sustainability

This project aims to develop an agroforestry strategy and action plan informed by soil carbon assessments.

Location:
Nepal
Duration:
01 May - 30 August 2024
Donors:
Catholic Relief Services Nepal
A woman writing notes during a workshop.
Project status
Past project

Facilitate and conduct consultations under UN-REDD Technical Assistance to Nepal

This project supported the Government of Nepal's collaboration with the Lowering Emissions from Accelerated Forest Finance Coalition.

Location:
Nepal
Duration:
07 March 2024 - 30 April 2025
Donors:
FAO
An aerial view of a hilly landscape in the Sacred Himalayan region.
Project status
Past project

Enhancing livelihoods from improved forest management in Nepal

This project focused on enhancing forest management practices in community forests and private lands within the Sacred Himalayan Landscape.

Location:
Nepal
Duration:
01 July 2022 - 24 June 2024
Donors:
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
Indigenous People led power balance assessment
Project status
Past project

A new tool for advancing locally led conservation - piloting Indigenous People-led power balance assessment

This project aims to develop a tool to evaluate site-level authority balance, guide improvements and support national and global conservation goals.

Location:
Nepal
Duration:
01 January 2024 - 31 March 2025
Donors:
International Institute for Environment and Development
Project status
Ongoing project

WISIONS Innovation Lab in Nepal

The WISIONS Innovation Lab in Nepal is a collaborative project aimed at improving rural livelihoods through sustainable energy and landscape...

Location:
Nepal
Duration:
05 April 2023 - 20 November 2025
Donors:
Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy