Nepal is a relatively small mountainous country surrounded by India to the south, east,
and west and China to the north. Forest is one of the most important natural resources of
Nepal. Some 35 major forest types occur in Nepal that change abruptly, owing to a wide
variation of topography, climate, and edaphic conditions. Forests are the source of
livelihoods of millions of people, in particular, for rural communities. Deforestation is
one of the major environmental issues in Nepal. Deforestation pressures occur
throughout Nepal but are most strongly felt in many parts of Tarai and Churia. In
general, the drivers of deforestation and degradation are the mixture of direct and indirect
causes, such as high dependency on forest resources, unsustainable harvesting
practices, illegal harvest of forest products, infrastructure development, forest fire,
natural calamities, encroachment, overgrazing, lack of good governance, and ambiguous
policy. Deforestation has immediate consequences for the local population in
terms of increased fuel scarcity, reduced supply of fodder, and leaf-litter manure. The
unpredicted erosion, landslide, and lowland flooding, due to deforestation, are also
major concerns in Nepal as well as in downstream countries. Several attempts have
been made so far to control the deforestation and mixed success has been achieved. The
focus of the government is on good forest governance through its long-term and shortterm
policy provisions. Community forestry and protected areas systems in Nepal have
contributed significantly in forest conservation. A priority has also been given to private
forestry. Since the fuelwood is still the major energy source, alternative sources of
energy should be provided on a subsidized basis throughout the country to reduce
dependency on forests. Public awareness about the importance of forests and the
consequences of deforestation are also important to control deforestation.