This project supports Nepal’s ongoing engagement with the LEAF Emission Reduction (ER) programme. In 2022, the Government of Nepal signed a memorandum of understanding with the LEAF Coalition, which would allocate accreditation of emission reductions. As part of the LEAF ER programme, the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) process was carried out in Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces (LEAF jurisdictions) of Nepal. The LEAF jurisdiction covers more than 12,000 community-based forests and other concerned stakeholders. However, due to limited time and resources, the FPIC consultations were conducted at the district level, with participation mainly from district level federations of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. This approach did not ensure full understanding and meaningful contribution from Indigenous Peoples and local communities at the grassroots level. 

This project aims to strengthen equitable participation in the design of the LEAF ER programme by enhancing the capacity of municipal-level Indigenous Peoples and local community stakeholders in Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. Recognizing that Indigenous Peoples and local communities are traditional forest stewards who depend heavily on forest landscapes for their livelihoods, the initiative focused on creating avenues for meaningful engagement in shaping the programme, including the benefit-sharing plan and grievance redress mechanism.  

As the Government of Nepal approaches the signing of the Emission Reduction Purchase Agreement, it has become increasingly urgent to ensure that grassroots concerns and priorities are reflected. Through targeted awareness raising, capacity building and consultation processes, the project seeks to empower local stakeholders to advocate for inclusive, jurisdictional carbon programmes. In addition, the project will pilot key forest management interventions prioritized under the LEAF design. These pilots will emphasize long-term sustainability, social empowerment, inclusion and participatory implementation, laying the foundation for the effective and equitable rollout of the LEAF programme in Nepal. 

This project is funded by Re-wild.