From exclusion to inclusion: Building equity for disadvantaged groups in forestry
Nepal, a country famed for its stunning natural beauty and varied biodiversity, is home to myriad marginalized communities whose lives are deeply intertwined with the forests that cover around 40 percent of its landmass. These localities include indigenous people, Dalits and diverse ethnic populations struggling with extensive hurdles due to factors like socio-economic disparities and ecological shifts. At the same time, these communities exhibit significant resilience and adaptability in facing the challenges in their daily lives.
A lifeline
Forests in Nepal are not just natural wonders; they also serve a fundamental to survival and cultural essence of various marginalized communities. Indigenous groups in particular depend on forests for vital resources such as food, medicine, firewood and income through non-timber forest products (NTFPs). According to a study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 60 percent of rural households depend on forest resources for their livelihoods, though restricted forest policies often limit the access to those resources.
Policies and impact
Despite their heavy resilience on forests, marginalized groups frequently experience difficulties due to national forestry strategies that value conservation more than community rights. Local voices have been historically ignored in the process of policy-making due to the government’s centralized framework for forest management strategies. Many indigenous community people are unaware of the legal validation of their land holdings, exposing them to risk to displacement and deforestation.
To illustrate, the Forest Act of 1993 was implemented with the goal of shifting forest control and advocating community forest-based management but many marginalized groups are still facing challenges vis-a-vis integration and recognition.
Cultural identities
The cultural value of forests cannot be exaggerated. For many marginalized groups, forests serve as a divine sanctuary. Traditional environmental knowledge passed on to descendants plays an important role in sustainable forest management. Indigenous practices often reinforce the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable resource use.
As the entry to forest declines due to external challenges such as logging, harvesting and agricultural expansions, these cultural links become fragile. Waning ancestral forest conservation practices not only disrupt biodiversity but also undermine the cultural history of communities.
A harsh climate
Climate change creates more challenges, especially for marginalized communities that rely on forests for their livelihoods. Unpredictable rainfall patterns increase the risk of natural disasters and bring about changes in ecosystem patterns, exacerbating economic instability as well as food insecurity. As an example, shifts in the weather cycle are mainly to blame for crop loss/damage and decrease in farm productivity in several parts of Nepal.
More often than not, marginalized communities lack commodities and assistance needed to tackle these challenges effectively, to the detriment of their health, education and the economy.
Rights, wrongs and roles
In response to these challenges, grassroots movements have surfaced for defending the marginalized communities’ rights over land and forest resources. Organizations such as the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) have been raising the voices of these communities in policy-making processes and political discussions for years.
Resilient community forestry programs have shown how local populations influence sustainable management practices. A case in point is Ramechhap where community-led initiatives have shown that putting local communities at the forefront of forest conservation yields encouraging results.
Conclusion
Problems facing marginalized communities living around forest areas in Nepal show the need for inclusive forest protocols that honor their rights and roles in conservation initiatives.
By promoting an alliance between government agencies, NGOS and local communities in forest conservation, Nepal can create a more balanced approach to conservation. Educational advancement and capacity-building training can help these communities manage forests more sustainably.
In conclusion, realizing the hardships and adaptability of marginalized communities is crucial for ensuring sustainable development of Nepal’s forestry sector. By admiring their traditional knowledge
and practices vis-a-vis conservation, Nepal can move forward to a more inclusive future where both communities and forest coexist and thrive.
