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.
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.
