From participation to responsiveness: The changing priorities of community forestry governance in Nepal`s Terai

Abstract

The involvement of local people in the governance process, reliable and transparent engagement of disadvantaged people in decision-making and justice in benefit sharing have been the emerging strategies for the acceptance of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, forest conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon stocks). However, closer scrutiny of the values of forest governance is needed in order to evaluate its effectiveness, contribute to its legitimacy and understand the interactions of governance attributes. At the same time, both at the international and national level, there is lack of clarity around the kinds of governance arrangements that can be implemented at the ground when striving for REDD+.This PhD thesis assesses the practicability and priorities of community forestry governance to articulate climate change mitigation initiatives by forest users. The focus includes factors associated with benefit sharing process, patterns of engagement of disadvantaged groups in community forestry and the impact of REDD+ implementation on social inclusivity of community forest user groups in Nepal`s Terai region. The study is based on grounded theory of qualitative approaches that builds on case studies from three community forest user groups and REDD+ interventions. Through the lens of a theoretical framework of common resources governance, the study assesses the similarities and differences between policy goals and observations of forest governance values and their impacts. Second, the study explains the nature of factors affecting benefit sharing and their impacts under REDD+ and other benefit sharing process in community forestry. Third, the study explores how existing policies and practices engage Dalits in community forestry governance processes. Finally, the study investigates how social inclusivity under REDD+ enhances representation and deliberation of disadvantaged groups and requires responsiveness in community leaders within community forestry.The study results are based on the focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and participant observation in three community forests of the Nepal´s Terai. Similarities and differences between the factors of forest governance are apparent within the specific conditions of each community. Qualitative differences in the implementation of governance initiatives have increased the level of dissatisfaction among the community forest users. Though poor users of community forest were highly dependent on forest resources, rich users benefit comparatively more due to their control over decision-making structures. The formal structures for engagement of disadvantaged groups in community forestry do not provide enough space for genuine participation. The benefits of REDD+ implementation have not trickled down as expected to ground level. However, the implementation of REDD+ has also positively supported governance in community forestry. Proportional representation of disadvantaged groups has been achieved but th...

The Property Rights Index (PRIF) can be used worldwide to compare different forest governance systems

“…Nepal has three forest ownership types: private forest, community forest and government forest [53]. The community forests in which the management of the forests is done by local users forming a User Group (UG), has been an ongoing practice in Nepal since 1978 [54]. Thirty percent of the total forest area is being managed as community forests by 35% of the population [52]; probably the largest form of sectoral governance in Nepal [55].…”

The Implication of REDD+ in Community Forestry (CF) Governance and Local Livelihood: A Case from Nepal

“…From 2009 to 2013 in Nepal, REDD+ piloting projects were first executed in 105 community forests in three districts-Dolkha, Gorkha and Chitwan (Shrestha et al, 2014). Devkota (2019) in his study stated that the REDD+ pilot project targets the poor, women, disadvantaged groups and indigenous people through its special income generating activities and awareness programs. For deprived and medium-class users revenue generating activities were executed in both Kankali CFUG and Janapragati CFUG.…”

“…For deprived and medium-class users revenue generating activities were executed in both Kankali CFUG and Janapragati CFUG. In CFUGs, the disadvantaged group's representation in the executive committee has improved, though they feel that their voices do not impact the decision on CFUG and benefit sharing (Devkota, 2019).According to (Khatri, Maskey, et al, 2018), the REDD+ pilot project mandate the CFUGs to spent at least 50% of carbon payment funds in poverty minimization and livelihood upliftment activities targeting disadvantage groups, as these activities were included in the Forest Carbon Trust Fund (FCTF) Operational Guidelines. Additionally, CFUGs has practiced various climate change adaptation measures to cope with climate change (Godar Chhetri, 2012).…”

Feminist Transformation: Result of the Waves of Feminist Movement

“…Single mothers are still struggling to provide their children an identity. Female feticide still exists, women labors still work in low wages than that of men, and not to forget ever existing torture that women have to face in name of dowry (Devkota, Bagale and Devkota, 2016).…”