Managing invasive species in community forests in Nepal

ForestAction Nepal worked with local communities to clear forests of invasive alien plant species and employed women in the clearing operations. On 200 hectares of forest, almost 1,500 tonnes were cleared, making 130 tonnes of compost for crops and plants. The project also protected, nurtured and grew nearly 50,000 seedlings and saplings from over 60 species. These seedlings grow in areas previously occupied by invasive species. Removing the invasive species also reduced emissions caused by fires.
  • Country: Nepal
  • Organisation: Forest Resources Studies and Action Team
  • Support area: Conserving biological diversity
  • IKI funding: 107,624 euros
  • Project start: 01/02/2022
  • Project end: 15/03/2024
  • Website: https://www.forestaction.org/

ForestAction Nepal implemented a two-year project, supported by IKI Small Grants, to restore degraded forests and conserve biodiversity in Barandabhar biological forest, a vital native woodland. Working closely with four Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), the project removed invasive alien plant species (IAPS), promoting natural regeneration, and building local capacity.

Over 200 hectares of forest were cleared of IAPS, with more than 1,500 metric tonnes of biomass removed through community-led efforts, creating over 2,000 person-days of work — mainly for women. Natural regeneration of native tree species such as Sal, Bheller, Kadam, and others was actively protected, resulting in over 50,000 seedlings being planted, protected and nurtured. An experimental reintroduction of Sal on 0.5 hectares in Padampur CF proved successful, with over 450 seedlings established despite harsh weather.

Meanwhile, local communities learned to turn cleared biomass into over 130 tonnes of compost, improving soil health and crop yields. The project also conducted biodiversity surveys, documenting 390 plant species and 47 reptile and amphibian species—including several threatened or endemic to Nepal. To raise awareness, ForestAction developed materials on IAPS impacts and organized more than 50 community events, forest walks, and training sessions. This integrated approach has laid a strong foundation for long-term forest recovery and community-driven conservation.

GALLERY

1/7
2,000 person days of work went into removing the invasive alien species, providing employment for 160 people. Locals were supported in making compost or manure using the biomass from the plants. © GIZ/Katha
2,000 person days of work went into removing the invasive alien species, providing employment for 160 people. Locals were supported in making compost or manure using the biomass from the plants. © GIZ/Katha
2/7
The local communities learned to turn the 1,500 tonnes of cleared biomass into over 130 tonnes of compost. © GIZ/Katha
The local communities learned to turn the 1,500 tonnes of cleared biomass into over 130 tonnes of compost. © GIZ/Katha
3/7
Muna Bhattarai and Lila Nath Sharma from ForestAction Nepal inspect areas of Barandabhar Forest in Nepal, where the organisation has been working with local communities to clear invasive alien species. © GIZ/Katha
Muna Bhattarai and Lila Nath Sharma from ForestAction Nepal inspect areas of Barandabhar Forest in Nepal, where the organisation has been working with local communities to clear invasive alien species. © GIZ/Katha
4/7
Over 200 hectares of forest were cleared of weeds, with more than 1,500 metric tonnes of biomass removed through community-led efforts. The project works with community forest user groups, smallholder farmers, forest dependent people and local residents. They benefit directly and indirectly from restored forest and improved ecosystem. © GIZ/Katha
Over 200 hectares of forest were cleared of weeds, with more than 1,500 metric tonnes of biomass removed through community-led efforts. The project works with community forest user groups, smallholder farmers, forest dependent people and local residents. They benefit directly and indirectly from restored forest and improved ecosystem. © GIZ/Katha
5/7
Besides using the plant biomass to make compost, ForestAction Nepal supported the communities in regenerating native species such as Sal, Bheller, Kadam, resulting in over 50,000 seedlings being planted, protected and nurtured. © GIZ/Katha
Besides using the plant biomass to make compost, ForestAction Nepal supported the communities in regenerating native species such as Sal, Bheller, Kadam, resulting in over 50,000 seedlings being planted, protected and nurtured. © GIZ/Katha
6/7
The approach adopted by ForestAction Nepal with support from IKI Small Grants has laid a strong foundation for long-term forest recovery and community-driven conservation. © GIZ/Katha
The approach adopted by ForestAction Nepal with support from IKI Small Grants has laid a strong foundation for long-term forest recovery and community-driven conservation. © GIZ/Katha
7/7
The compost recycled from the invasive species improves soil health and crop yields. Chilies, tomatoes, rice paddies grow faster now. © GIZ/Katha
The compost recycled from the invasive species improves soil health and crop yields. Chilies, tomatoes, rice paddies grow faster now. © GIZ/Katha
Lila Nath Sharma works for ForestAction Nepal, a local organisation that cooperates directly with communities to drive sustainable reforestation and transformation. © GIZ / Katha Nepal

Lila Nath Sharma works for ForestAction Nepal, a local organisation that cooperates directly with communities to drive sustainable reforestation and transformation. © GIZ / Katha Nepal

Project video

In Nepal, invasive alien plant species threaten forests, biodiversity, and livelihoods. With support from IKI Small Grants, ForestAction Nepal works hand in hand with local communities to restore ecosystems, manage invasive species, and promote natural regeneration.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

ForestAction Nepal is a learning oriented, not-for-profit organization working in the areas of Forestry, Agriculture and Climate Change. It was founded in 2000 and aims to achieve productive, sustainable and equitable natural resource management through action research, policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement at local, regional and national level.