Lalitpur: Deputy General Secretary of CPN (UML), Pradeep Gyawali, has emphasized the importance of linking community forests to national prosperity. Speaking at an interaction on ‘Status of Community Forests: Challenges and Possibilities’ organized by UML’s Forest and Environment Department at the UML central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur, Gyawali highlighted the dual benefits of community forests, which serve both local communities and the country’s broader prosperity.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Gyawali discussed the potential of carbon trading through community forests, suggesting that it could serve as an incentive for communities. He stated, “The community has protected the forest because they find firewood and fodder. Carbon trading should be able to inspire the community by indicating that money will also come from the United Nations.”
Gyawali highlighted the significant role community forests play in enhancing community participation, maintaining environmental balance, and improving citizens’ living standards.
Dr. Naresh Subedi, member secretary of the National Nature Conservation Trust, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need to link community forest users to economic prosperity. He noted, “Developed countries have become wealthy by linking every issue with the economy. Those who protected community forests as volunteers yesterday must now become empowered and made economically prosperous.”