Climate change effects, adaptation and community-based forest management in the mid-hills of Tanahu and Kaski districts, Nepal

Abstract

In order to appraise climate change effects and adaptation practices in the forestry sector in Nepal, community forests in Tanahu and Kaski districts, representing tropical and temperate bioclimates respectively, were studied through a literature review, field observation, questionnaire survey and key informant interviews. Although it is clear that climate change is resulting in warmer temperatures, more erratic rainfall, deeper and more prolonged droughts, pervasive landslides and frequent floods and forest-fires, the effects are varied at the district level. The community forests of Tanahu are less resilient as they have limited elevational and bioclimatic range, and forest plant species and habitats, and are vulnerable to forest fire and overgrazing, whereas that of Kaski district cover a wide range of altitude and bioclimate, harboring a diverse range of plant species, habitats and traditional culture and, consequently, are highlighted for conservation by the forest authority. In order to make community forestry more resilient, embracing local adaptation is suggested with the aim of enhancing traditional forest management practices, lessening climate change hazards and increasing conservation trade-offs through strengthening the ownership of local communities and improving the circularity of forest service generation and consumption.