From 3 to 7 October 2024, forestry and development experts from around the world gathered in Rome, Italy, for the highly anticipated FLARE (Forests & Livelihoods: Assessment, Research, and Engagement) Meeting. Representing Nepal, our former scholar Dr. Sony Baral, Assistant Dean and Associate Professor of Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University presented her groundbreaking research on the “Economic Viability of Leasehold Forestry Restoration Programme in Nepal: A Benefit-Cost Analysis”. Her presentation was about the leasehold forestry, which is a community-focused program in Nepal aimed at restoring degraded forestlands while improving the livelihoods of marginalized and landless households. By granting small groups of family’s exclusive rights to manage degraded forest patches, the program seeks to balance ecological restoration with socio-economic benefits. Dr. Baral’s research delves into the economic dimension of this program, addressing a critical question: Is leasehold forestry restoration financially viable in the long run?
The study emphasizes the importance of participatory governance and capacity building in ensuring the program’s success. It also highlights challenges such as the need for technical support, market linkages, and long-term financial sustainability. Dr. Baral’s presentation sparked lively discussions among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Her work provided valuable insights into how leasehold forestry programs could be a replicable model for countries facing similar socio-ecological challenges.
The FLARE meeting offered a unique opportunity for Dr. Baral to connect with experts from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaborations that aim to refine and scale sustainable forestry practices globally. Dr. Baral also proposed to open the South Asia FLARE chapter.
Looking ahead: Implications for Nepal
Dr. Baral’s research underscores the transformative potential of leasehold forestry in Nepal. It demonstrates how well-structured restoration programs can serve as a pathway to achieving both environmental sustainability and socio-economic development. As Nepal navigates the complexities of balancing conservation with development, studies like this pave the way for evidence-based policymaking and resource allocation, ensuring that initiatives like the Leasehold Forestry Restoration Program achieve their full potential.
Dr. Baral’s participation in the FLARE Meeting 2024 not only highlights the strides Nepal is making in sustainable forestry but also showcases the country’s capacity for producing world-class research. As the global community continues to seek solutions for pressing environmental and social challenges, Nepal’s leasehold forestry restoration efforts stand out as a beacon of hope and innovation.
Dr. Sony Baral is an Associate Professor serving as the Assistant Dean of the Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University in Nepal. She completed her PhD under the supervision of Dr. Harald Vacik, at the Institute of Silviculture, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in October 2019, financed by APPEAR. Her research focused on how the sustainable management of the forest resources in Nepal is contributing towards realisation of the green economy objectives, particularly economic well-being, social equity and environmental sustainability. SHe published five papers during her PhD. She holds double master’s degrees in Mountain Forestry from BOKU and Social Science from Tribhuvan University in Nepal. She has 20 years of work experience in planning, implementing and monitoring of projects and programmes in forestry, climate change, disaster risk reduction, forest-based enterprise development, economic valuation, sustainable financing, and mainstreaming conservation and climate change related issues in national policy and strategy.
